(Jesus said) Why do you call Me “Lord, Lord,” and do not do what I say? Matthew 6:46

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

The salvation story of Jesus Christ reaches around the world. So that the readers of our Daily Devotion may see the power of the Savior on a global scale, we have asked the volunteers of our International Ministry Centers to write our Friday devotions. We pray that the Spirit may touch your day through their words.

In Christ, I remain, His servant and yours,
Kenneth R. Klaus
Speaker of The Lutheran Hour




In his book, “Not Religion, but Love”, Dave Andrews writes, “To quote the sayings of Christ is religious—but to act on them is revolutionary. Whenever they are not translated into action they are reduced to meaningless clichés…”

So what did Jesus say? What did Jesus do? What did He mean for us when He said, “Follow Me”?

While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Submitting to the internal work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, Jesus means for us to find love in our hearts for the obnoxious and unlikable, to love those who go out of their way to abuse us. “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you” (Matthew 6:27-28).

These words are challenging, difficult words that call us to action. That is certainly the sacrificial love Jesus showed for you and me.

Elsewhere, Jesus says, “Love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful just as your Father is merciful” (Matthew 6:35-36).

These words also say when we act like this in response to God’s forgiving love, we show ourselves to be His children. It has been said, “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree”. If we call ourselves children of God—when people look at how we act—do they see the nature of our Father?

From the beginning then, in our response to Jesus’ blood-bought redemption, it’s all about words—and actions; there’s really no middle ground. Jesus said, “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?”

THE PRAYER: Lord, strengthen our weak spirits and our fleeting resolve. In our day-to-day lives, may Your Spirit empower us to step out in faith and love one another—even when loving is the last thing we’d do. You have redeemed us with your blood, dear Lord. Teach us to follow in Your way. In Your Name, we pray. Amen.

Biography of Author:

Matthew Glowacki is a university student studying music in Sydney, Australia. He plays the guitar.



To learn more about our International Ministries, click here or visit www.lhmint.org.



NOTICE: Lutheran Church Charities invited me to write a sermon of comfort for the victims of the shooting at Northern Illinois University. That sermon has been posted here: Sermon Your viewing and response is appreciated.

In Him,
Pastor Ken Klaus

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

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