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“Then they also will answer, saying,
‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty
or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison,
and did not minister to You?'”

– Jesus, to the disciples (Matthew 25:44)

In Jesus’ description of Judgment Day, the wicked people standing to the left of His throne react with dismay when their sentence is announced. The King claims that they are being condemned for choosing to neglect Him in His time of need.

Just as the righteous were astounded to discover that they had served the King personally, so now the wicked have their chance to express their amazement, for they are taken aback at the notion that they have not cared for the King.

The people receiving condemnation are shocked to discover that they have not lived as true disciples. Taking issue with the King’s sentence, they claim to have never rejected Him outright. From this painful portrait of judgment, we learn an important lesson: those on the path to destruction often do not realize it.

The Last Day will be filled with surprises. Many who believe they are confidently among the people of God will discover that their actions (or non-actions) prove otherwise. Other people, who may have no recollection of taking care of the King, will enjoy the endless feast of God’s banquet. One cannot confess Christ with their lips and counter that confession by their lifestyle. Christians must be involved in acts of spontaneous kindness, caring for people in need, especially fellow believers.

Acts of mercy occupy the heart of this passage about God’s judgment. The primary concern at this point is not with mercy being given by God’s people to the needy of the world, but with acts of mercy being performed for God’s followers by the people to whom they have been sent. Jesus has a message of hope and encouragement for His disciples. Those who reject them are actually rejecting Him.

The challenge remains powerful for us even today. How well are we taking care of our brothers and sisters in Christ? We cannot claim to be loyal to our King as long as we are disloyal to His subjects.

written by Trevin Wax  © 2008 Kingdom People blog

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