It Affects Eternity
Those on His Left – Part 3

Scripture Reading: Matthew 25:42-46

Key Verse: Matthew 25:41

“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.

As we wrap up October’s devotionals, I feel we must look at the stern warning Jesus inserts as the last statement in chapter 25: “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”  If you believe that Jesus was indeed the Son of God, then these words should be almost stunning.  How can we believers not take Matthew 25 seriously?  How can we read it and walk away and do nothing?  Our eternity is at stake.

Whatever your background or theological tendencies, Jesus is proclaiming that taking care of the hungry and the needy affects your destiny when this life is over.  It is hard to read Matthew 25:31-46 and “spin it” any other way!  If you are a Christ believer but are not truly “following” Christ’s instructions, this warning is for you!

When was the last time you assisted someone that was hungry?  When was the last time you helped get clean water to a person who had none?  When was the last time you assisted a stranger—someone that was not a friend but simply a person in need?  Have you given clothing to someone that needed clothes?  Have you visited the sick or those in prison?

I am committed to looking for ways to obey Jesus’ words.  I am asking the Holy Spirit to focus my eyes on someone today that I might help.  Will you join me?

Father, you have seen my spiritual disciplines—please forgive me if they have not resulted in being a blessing to the under resourced of my world.  In Jesus’ name, amen.