March 11, 2014
More than one wealthy person or dignitary has disguised himself/herself as a poor beggar to learn how he/she would be treated. As such, we never know who that poor unfortunate person we encounter might really be. And, our treatment of that person is more important than we know.
“Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me … Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’ “ (Matthew 25.40, 45)
Apparently, it’s possible that we are encountering Jesus when we encounter the least and the lonely. While these “brothers of mine” may have familiar faces, His unseen presence behind them is ever watchful as to how we will respond.
Jesus’ words in Matthew 25.31-46 might lead us to believe that those who will be in the coming kingdom, and those who will be consigned to the lake of fire, are determined by how the least and the lonely are treated. These works in themselves are not the determining factor, but rather an indicator of how God’s grace has impacted us. These are works - fruit - that indicates the real nature of our hearts.
The coming kingdom of God is far too important to miss because of a hardheartedness toward the needy. “Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” (Matthew 25.34) The more we savor the abundant grace to be given, the more we open wide our hearts and share our resources with the least and lonely around us.
A bright future is powerful motivation for a God-pleasing lifestyle today. The more we know and see the marvelous things planned for God’s people, the more important priorities are put in perspective. Savor hope, and live generously and graciously today.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2014
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook & print devotional -http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
paperback print copy of book — https://www.createspace.com/4500045
“Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me … Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’ “ (Matthew 25.40, 45)
Apparently, it’s possible that we are encountering Jesus when we encounter the least and the lonely. While these “brothers of mine” may have familiar faces, His unseen presence behind them is ever watchful as to how we will respond.
Jesus’ words in Matthew 25.31-46 might lead us to believe that those who will be in the coming kingdom, and those who will be consigned to the lake of fire, are determined by how the least and the lonely are treated. These works in themselves are not the determining factor, but rather an indicator of how God’s grace has impacted us. These are works - fruit - that indicates the real nature of our hearts.
The coming kingdom of God is far too important to miss because of a hardheartedness toward the needy. “Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” (Matthew 25.34) The more we savor the abundant grace to be given, the more we open wide our hearts and share our resources with the least and lonely around us.
A bright future is powerful motivation for a God-pleasing lifestyle today. The more we know and see the marvelous things planned for God’s people, the more important priorities are put in perspective. Savor hope, and live generously and graciously today.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2014
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook & print devotional -http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
paperback print copy of book — https://www.createspace.com/4500045
posted by steve @ 10:12 AM
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