Matthew 25:35-36 KJV
[35] for I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: [36] naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
We begin to see the daily actions, decisions and reactions of those who are referred to as sheep in the parable of the sheep and goats which we have been considering for a few days now. Who ever said actions do not have consequences? Let it be established again that the sheep do not get the eternal home solely by virtue of what they did, but first by who they are. The actions listed above then makes sense in the context of who they are. As you read through the pages of the Bible, you read accounts of people like Cornelius, or that rich young man who went away sad, just because Jesus asked him to go sell all he had, give to the poor, and then come follow Him. These stories keep making it clear that just doing 'nice' things will not guarantee you eternal life with God, but once the right foundation is laid, the rest of life becomes very convenient.
Please do not settle for the outward only; make sure the right internal foundation, which is Jesus being in charge, is in place. Then, it will not be a struggle to align with the demand of the verses above. Anyone can be nice and hospitable, and we see charitable people and organisations fully invested in giving food and drink to the poor. There are great blessings attached to doing these, but as we have now noted, it is great to add to that the personal experience and walk with the shepherd. There are many lives in need of both the divine and the physical touch, and only someone who is under the control, influence and guidance of the Shepherd will know what is appropriate for every season. The wrong message at the wrong time, no matter how attractive the intentions were, will lose the impact.
There is a need for everyone that God brings me in contact with. There is a life somewhere who needs the message that my life, its gifts, endowments, and calling, were meant to bless. There are needs that my life has been best suited to address, and whilst I must do my best, I must know that I am not really indispensable. Like all the sheep in front of the Shepherd here, many would have brightened the corner where they were, did their best, and moved on, but here they were, being reminded of the amazing impact they made. That is how it will be: I do not do it for earthly recognition which has no true eternal value. I do not do it for human applause which is very undependable and unpredictable. I do it because it is commanded by my Lord and Shepherd, and because of the eternal reward that follows. What could be more? How are you preparing? God's time of favour is here.
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