Morning Dew
Key Passage: Matthew 25: 31-46
Key Word: Matthew 25:40 – “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.”
Perspectives are important in any venture in life. What you see can greatly affects what you do. The bible says that “my people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” Hosea 4:6. Again, sight comes in varying degrees. Some have perfect eyesight or 20:20 vision, and some see quite dimly. But what one sees depends on your perspective. If you are at the back of a property, you see the back of the property. If you are in front you see the front. But then someone looks from the top and see the entire shape of the house. Today, there is perfect sight for every believer and this comes from seeing it from God’s point of view.
Today’s passage really gripped my heart many years ago, when it was highlighted to me. I saw that ministry to the poor; or poverty alleviation ministry is quite vital for a believer. I saw the power of visiting the sick, infirmed and those in prison. I saw how the Lord views feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, housing the homeless and relieving the distressed of our society and world. What got me was not the compassion, though you need great compassion to do this type of ministry. It was not necessarily the need, though the need can be overwhelming sometimes and only the extremely hardened will not respond to some of the needs. I was convicted by the simple statement Jesus made, “as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” I saw that every time you reach out to help the needy, you are invariably ministering to the Lord. This is powerful. It is the greatest motivation I have to minister to the needy. I fully believe I am ministering to Jesus my Lord and saviour.
When we feed the hungry, look into their eyes and you will be looking in the very eyes of Jesus. When you clothe the naked, Jesus is right there in that person. This actually revolutionises the way you care. You do not jus give scraps and treat the needy with ignominy, but you are forced to treat them with dignity and sensitivity.
One more thing I think we all need to bear in mind, is that the Lord has said in Matthew 25, that some nations will be called goats and others sheep. The Sheep nations will be at His right hand and the goat nations at His left. He will reward the sheep nations and cast the goat nations into everlasting punishment. The distinction is in their heart and attention to the needy.
What are you doing to feed, clothe, house and visit the Lord? Remember that He is the ultimate recipient of these deeds and he will repay.
Let’s pray: Father God, please open my eyes to see the plight of the needy around me and give me the compassion I need to reach out in my own little way to help them. Lord help me to always remember that as I minister to the needy, I am ministering unto you and may I never forget this. I ask this in Jesus name. Amen.