Be an extension of God’s love and hand (20/5/2023)
Matthew 25:40, 44-45 "Then the King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'… "They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing cloths or sick or in prison, and did not help you? ' "He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of these, you did not do for me.'" - NIV
Jesus was about to go. He spoke parables relating to the future. This was one of them about how God will judge us when we appear before Him. The emphasis was on service to humanity as service to God. Every opportunity to do good to people, meet a need of those around us, minister to the sick, helpless, imprisoned or marginalized, touches God’s heart. Jesus calls them His brothers. Those are all ministry opportunities. Some think of ministry only to mean the big activities. Here Jesus shows another line of ministry, small but significant before God.
We will always have needy people among us. Let our hearts be tender to them as we support and help whenever there is need. Serve them using your resources as though you are serving God from whom you shall recieve reward. Some of those acts of love and kindness will make someone’s life count and worth living.
Such service is so significant to God that Jesus noted they will be the basis of judgment and determine eternal destiny. The good acts are not the basis of our salvation, for no man is saved by them, but by grace. They should be a reflection of our relationship with the God Who loves and cares for all His people. When we do these, we become an extension of the hand and love of God to the world.
Whatever you did for the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me! – Jesus
Colossians 3:23-24 "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."
Shalom children of God.