The least

“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.’ ”                                                      Matt. 25.40

Jesus is talking of the judgment that is to come. It seems that the basis of whether one will be allowed to enter the Kingdom of Heaven is whether love is shown to God’s people. And Jesus clearly points to the least of His ‘brothers’ – the hungry who need feeding, the thirsty in need of a drink, the stranger needing to be made welcome, any in need of clothing, the sick and their tending, and those in prison to be visited. Jesus identifies basic needs and sets these as the threshold to the eternal kingdom.

Those who tend the needs of others He refers to as sheep, whom He will welcome into the kingdom. Those who ignore others and their needs, labelled goats, will be banished to eternal punishment.

How simple is it to care for others? Simple it may be, but not always easy! There are times when I might be too busy, or even too tired. There may be times when I simply don’t see a need that is presenting itself. I pray for God’s help in such times. I would not wish to deny anyone the ministry that Jesus wants me to extend to them. I may not always have the strength or even the sense in myself to reach out to them. But if I am focused on Jesus, He may alert and guide me.

Lord God,

I want to be there for Your brothers and sisters. Forgive me for those times when I fail. I ask You for an awareness of those who need my help. Show me the ones I need to touch with Your love. Give me insight to be able to help them in positive and constructive ways.

I ask You to guide me into the fulfilment of specific tasks You have for me. May I not waste time, in any ministry, on items or issues You would not have me address. As always, I look to You and thank You for Your constant presence and leading. I praise You, Lord.                   Amen.

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