the end...or the beginning

Today's passage is probably the most convicting passage for me in the Greek Scriptures. Jesus has just told the Parable of the Talents (this is the parable that led our family to MMCC). As powerful as this parable is, it is not enough. Jesus continues on with "When the Son of Man comes..." This is a picture of the end - or is it the beginning? At the end, or beginning, all of humanity will be gathered before God and will be divided, like dogs and cats (or sheep and goats). Here we find how we will be judged. For many churched people, like me, it would be so much more comforting to read, "Well done. For you showed up every Sunday and memorized your Bible verse. You put money in the offering plate and sang the songs." But we don't find anything like this. We find "Well done. For I was hungry and you fed me. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you provided a place for me. I had no clothes and you gave me some. I was sick and you took care of me. I was in prison, and you didn't ignore me." (my paraphrase) These are the things that reflect the new life we have in Jesus Christ.

What makes you uncomfortable with this passage? Is it as convicting to you as it is to me? Why or why not?

Our mission team is working to lead us into opportunities here and abroad that move us in these directions. This passage will give us practical guidance on living out our new life in Christ. In the coming months, you will have the opportunity to do these things: feed the hungry, provide housing for the homeless, give clothes to those in need, visit the sick. We want these things to define who we are. These are practical ways we will love people with no strings attached. Are you in?