Serving the Least of These
OPENING PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, open our eyes to see those who are often overlooked and forgotten. Help us to serve them with love and compassion, as You have called us to do. Amen.
"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'"
Matthew 25:34-40 (NIV)
REFLECT:
This passage from Matthew 25 is a powerful reminder of the call to serve those in need. Jesus identifies Himself with the least and forgotten, emphasizing that our service to them is service to Him. Pastor Carter’s message highlights this point, urging us to be intentional in our care for those who are often overlooked. This is a call to action, challenging us to live out our faith in practical, meaningful ways.
Theologically, this passage underscores the importance of compassion and service in the Christian life. It is not enough to simply profess faith; we must demonstrate it through our actions. This is not about earning salvation but about living out the reality of our faith. Todd’s message emphasizes the urgency of this call, reminding us that we are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus in the world.
Personally, this reflection invites us to consider how we can serve those around us. Are we willing to step out of our comfort zones to meet the needs of others? Are we actively seeking opportunities to show the love of Christ to those who are often forgotten? This is a call to live out our faith in practical, meaningful ways, demonstrating the love of Christ to a world in need.
I WILL STATEMENT:
I will pray, give or take a step towards serving the least and the forgotten in my community.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the opportunity to serve others. Help me to see those who are often overlooked and forgotten, and to serve them with love and compassion. Guide me as I seek to be Your hands and feet in the world. Amen.