31 Days of Devotion, Day 18 by Daryl Roberts
Daily Reading: Matthew 25: 31-46
My good friend Dr. Mikey, a pediatrician and missionary to Liberia, says if you are going to be with God, you have to be with His suffering children. Basically, you are either with Jesus, or you are not with Jesus. As we read Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus uses the metaphor of a shepherd separating the sheep from the goats, believers or non-believers. In this passage, we discover that three actions will take place…
First, there will be a great sorting. All people of all nations will come before Him for this great sorting. Often times in ancient Israel sheep and goats would be herded together, but there were times they needed to be separated. Just as a shepherd has no difficulty distinguishing between sheep and goats, Jesus will have no problem identifying whether or not you are a sheep or a goat.
Second, in verses 34-40 Jesus addresses the sheep and indicates their reward. Jesus strongly equates the just and proper treatment you exhibit to His brothers and sisters, the least of these, with just and proper treatment of Him. Those sheep who are blessed, believers, come and inherit the kingdom prepared for you. What an amazing reality and opportunity to love and please Him as we love and sacrifice for others!
Finally, this passage indicates that as there is reward, there is also punishment. In contrast to the sheep, there is the goat. Verse 41 quickly indicates what is in store for the goats. Eternal separation from Him. Jesus indicates the unjust and improper treatment exhibited to His brothers and sisters, the least of these, with unjust and improper treatment of Him. What a sad reality and opportunity missed to love and please our Father as we choose to reject and ignore the suffering of others.
So, are you a sheep or a goat? Have you shifted your priorities to give Him first position, to love Him fully and in turn love the least of these fully? Take time and examine your heart and your willingness to submit to Him and sacrifice for others. Don’t miss out...Love Him, Love them!
Daily Prayer
Dear Lord, as I reflect on my own role in your mission, help me to see what it means that you identify with the poor and the lost. Show me how I can serve you fully by serving them. Amen.