November 9, 2006

• Matthew 25:37-45   Jeasus’ Measure

  37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

   40 “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’

   41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’

   44 “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’

   45 “He will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’

   46 “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”

  By the measure Jesus gives us here, it is not religious practice, or memorization of Scriptures, or even faithful attendance at church or temple by which our lives are judged. It is simply this: whether we have tried to relieve the plight of the hungry and dispossessed and those stripped of their freedom; whether we have tried to change this war-torn world to a world free from oppression and exploitation, so that all of God’s children might have life, and that more abundantly. In fact, Jesus identified so completely with the oppressed that He made an astonishing declaration that today’s political leaders — and religious leaders, too — would do well to remember: “as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me. ” (1)

  

  

  << — Grace and Grits: Look for a place like this in your home to share the love of Christ with those who are hungry. 

  Our friend Bill –>>

   

   

   

  

   

  

  Our friend Bob –>>

   

   

  <<– Our friend Donna

   

   

   

   <<– Our Saviour, Jesus

  My friends and I were talking after Grace and Grits last night about how blessed we are to know these people and the many others in our community that society has forgotten. Many have made bad decisions in their lives, many have deep health problems that have contributed to their situation, some are afflicted with mental problems, many are addicted to drugs or alcohol, most are trapped in a world in which they have been thrown, yet there are a few that are happy where they are. In talking to and sharing time with them, I have come to see often, a deep love for God, despite their circumstances. My friend, James lives in a tent, my friend Bill (above) lives in an RV. Yet, they tell me often, how God has blessed them in the little things in their lives.

   

  Last night Donna brought her Bible and some poems she wrote over 20 years ago. I will take one and we will turn it into a song to glorify the Lord that we serve. Donna has a great number of health problems and has suffered greatly throughout her life, she is weak and frail, yet has a loving heart that could only come from a loving God. We sang U2′s “40″ last night, and if you could have seen the smiles, the comfort and the beauty in her face as we sang…..well, it brought tears to my eyes. I could see the hope, and a joy that surpasses all understanding in hers.

  I waited patiently for the Lord……He inclined and heard my cry
  He brought me up out of the pit…..Out of the miry clay

  I will sing, sing a new song…….I will sing, sing a new song

  How long to sing this song…..How long to sing this song
  How long…how long…how long…How long…to sing this song

  He set my feet upon a rock…..And made my footsteps firm
  Many will see…….Many will see and fear

  I will sing, sing a new song…..I will sing, sing a new song
  I will sing, sing a new song…..I will sing, sing a new song

  There are many others that have needs, that Jesus calls us to serve and to befriend. There are many others that need to hear Jesus message of hope. There are many others that need to know that they are not forgotten, that they have a name and that someone knows their name. That Homeless person you see on the street has a name and is loved by God, just as we are loved by God. Jesus tells us in no uncertain terms……”as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.“

    (1) “The Politics of Jesus- Rediscovering the True Revolutionary Nature of Jesus’ Teachings and How They Have Been Corrupted” by Obery M. Hendricks, Jr.

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