PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 25:31-46
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty…” (Matthew 25:44)
Here is a thought that could revolutionize our daily living.
Imagine if you saw Jesus in every person you met today.
How I treat them… this is how I am treating Jesus!
When Jesus becomes human, He identifies with every person.
I’ve usually assumed that the people Jesus mentions here are innocent victims.
But even those in prison for crimes, even people in need because of gambling?
Even those sick because of neglecting their health?
Is Jesus in every person somehow, and also in me?
We are saved by grace to become gracious, to help others who may not deserve it.
Think of the most extreme examples of people you do NOT think of as Jesus.
Including the one’s that hurt me, cheat me, annoy me, mock me, bore me, etc.
Look at each person today as if they were Jesus; how will you treat Jesus in them?
Our response to Jesus is the key to whether we enter eternal life or not (v.46).
According to Jesus, this includes how I respond to Him in others!
PRAYER
Lord, open my eyes to see You today. Help me not to hurt, ignore or talk disrespectfully about You today!
It is easy to become too cold – unresponsive to the needs of those around us – out there- easy to pass by. At key times I’ve been reminded and responded. My tendency is to mind my own business and not others. But it is our business to respond to the spirit’s prompting when there is a need presented to us. I know I can’t always respond – and sometimes I don’t because it would be too inconvenient or I’m running late for something else. I know I need to be more responsive! Each person is an ‘image bearer of God’ – a person God created!
Love your neighbour as yourself. And my neighbour is all I meet and greet – those the Lord God places in my path. I need to walk in His way of love. As Christ loved me so I too need to do the same to all. I need to see through the eyes of Jesus. I need Christ in all.
Purify my heart,
Let me be as gold and precious silver.
Purify my heart,
Let me be as gold, pure gold.
Refiner’s fire,
My heart’s one desire
Is to be… holy;
Set apart for You, Lord.
I choose to be… holy;
Set apart for You, my Master,
Ready to do Your will.
Purify my heart,
Cleanse me from within
And make me holy.
Purify my heart,
Cleanse me from my sin, deep within.