January 14

Luke 11:28

But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.

A woman in the crowd had just pronounced a blessing on MARY, the earthly mother of Jesus. There have always been those who tend to focus on Jesus’ MOTHER rather than on HIM. But he said, “Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, AND KEEP IT.’’ Jesus’ emphasis is always on OBEDIENCE to God. We are told to AVOID the works of the flesh: adultery, sexual immorality, lust, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousy, anger, envy, murder, drunkenness, orgies etc., and PURSUE the fruits of the Spirit which are, “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control”, Galatians 5:19. We tend to get diverted, or sidetracked: works of charity, church attendance, almsgiving, community service etc. But remember: before you can bring forth THE FRUITS of the Spirit, you have to first be BORN of the Spirit, which is done when you have an ENCOUNTER WITH JESUS by repenting of your sinful life, and RECEIVING JESUS INTO YOUR HEART BY FAITH. Jesus is the door. FIRST, ENTER THE DOOR. Then Secondly, WALK IN OBEDIENCE TO HIS WORDS.

Commentary by Francis L. Harris

"...what must I do to be saved?" Acts 16:30