Feb 19: Matthew 25:41-46
Key Verse: Matthew 25:43
I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was ill and in prison and you did not look after me.
Devotion:
We often try to put the blame for things going wrong on other people or on world leaders; often the truth about those situations runs much deeper than simply blaming others! When Jesus was teaching people about righteousness, he often took real world examples and turned them on their heads. In this case He takes the real-world example of the poor and needy people in this world and talks as if they are directly linked to Him.
They are! Jesus cares deeply for all people in this world and sees the poor and needy as people who need help. He then looks at us in our semi-privileged positions and sees us as people who have the ability to use what we have to lessen the plight of the poor and needy. This is not Christ saying we need to give up all of our earthly belongings and give them to the poor; well, He is but not in the earthly way we think of it!
Christ’s ways are very different to our ways. When He sees we have plenty He sees the potential we have to share our plenty with the poor and needy. He may simply want us to set an example and show others we have a duty of care to all of His children – because we are all His children. We should be willing to make sure none of God’s children are in need… which can be a very difficult task for us especially when we are being prevented from helping others by people who work against us and against God!
Points to Ponder:
Do you help any charities?
How do you help others in your local church?