In the Final Analysis

Daily Devotional – Tuesday, September 19, 2023
And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’
Matthew 25:40 (NKJV)

The Parable of the Sheep and Goats in Matthew chapter 25 is critical for Christians because it informs us about what, in the final analysis, really matters to Jesus. Irrespective of the Christian denomination we belong to, on Judgment Day, one issue will stand out.

In the Long Run

Now, prayer is a critical component of a Christian’s life. We regard it as the breath of the soul. Without constant communion with God, we would lose spiritual vitality. Moreover, it is our duty to pray for both Christians and non-Christians as we seek God’s intervention in their lives. However, is that all that matters?

Additionally, a Christian must spend time reading the Word of God. Bible study strengthens our faith in God and equips us for ministry. The malnourished believer is the one who has no time for study and meditation. It is commendable to know Bible verses and passages and quote them often, but is that enough?

In the end…

Further, preaching is good and important in furthering the kingdom of God. The Great Commission urges us to go into the entire world and disseminate the good news of God’s kingdom. It is incomprehensible how we can experience the love of Jesus and refuse to invite others to taste and see for themselves. Is that all that matters, though?

According to Jesus, God has set a day when He will make a final determination of those who will inherit the kingdom of God. The judgement hinges on a simple yet profound criterion that summarizes what really matters in God’s kingdom. Jesus separates the sheep from the goats based on service to humanity on His behalf.

In the Final Analysis

In commending the sheep (His faithful servants), Christ states, “Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.” (Matthew 25:40), In contrast, He reserves the antithesis for the goats, stating, “Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.” (Verse 45).

In the final analysis, what will matter to God is whether we served him by meeting the needs of the stranger, naked, sick, prisoners, orphans, widows, refugees, homeless, and other vulnerable people in society. Prayer, Bible study, preaching, singing and other rituals have their place in faith but what matters to Jesus is how our professed faith translates into practical service to humanity.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, teach me how to serve diligently the people for whom You gave Your life.