Day 39

Exodus 28:1-43; Matthew 25:31-26:13; Psalm 31:9-18; Proverbs 8:12-13

Revealed. Waiting. Preparing.

“Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” Matthew 25:40b

Since, the first manifestation of Christ’s divine nature to the three kings who paid Him homage at His birth, we continue to see the revelation of the nature of God in His Son Jesus Christ. Today’s passage from Matthew is a poignant statement of Christ’s purpose and His expectations for us as followers and disciples. Jesus Christ’s first coming to humankind was as a humble child. We now turn to Jesus’ second coming in His glory to be enthroned as King and Judge. Jesus’ teaching explains how He will rule on His glorious throne—judging all the nations, separating the people as a shepherd, sheep from the goats—and how one can ensure that they will be ready for Christ’s coming.

Jesus gives a list of needs—hungry, thirsty, a stranger, naked, sick, and in prison—and you met His need. The people ask, just as we might ask, “When did we meet your needs?” Jesus replies, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” Then the reverse scenario: you did not meet my needs, and you did not help others. He offers a clear choice: sheep or goat, help or ignore others, eternal life or eternal punishment.

We receive God’s grace, mercy, and love through the revealed Word—Jesus. We wait for Him to return by working out our salvation in the power of the Holy Spirit. How? By loving and worshiping the Lord and by loving and helping our neighbors in their times of need. We are preparing our souls for eternal life in heaven with God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

The Rev. James Brzezinski