It Affects Eternity
The Final Judgment – Part 2

Scripture Reading:  Matthew 25:31-33

Key Verse: Matthew 25:31

“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory.

Yesterday’s devotional reminded us of Jesus’ second coming and the final judgment.  Today we will look at what the ultimate goal of the period of judgment is going to be.  It starts by separating people into one of two groups.  Matthew 25:32 explains all people will either be in the “sheep” group or the “goat” group.  Jesus depicts the scene as a shepherd might separate His animals—the sheep from the goats.  Sheep and goats mingle for a time, but ultimately they will be noted as different and separated.

Secondly, we are told in Matthew 25:33 that the sheep will be to His right hand and the goats will be pushed to His left hand.  In Jewish culture, the right hand represents acceptance and honor.  The left hand represents rejection and those that receive dishonor.  Jesus is describing the scene at judgment day as the revealing of the righteous and the wicked.  In our world, it is often hard to tell—at least for those who seldom read the Bible.  Many will believe they are good enough to be on the right hand side, but will be sadly disappointed.

As we study the next section of Matthew 25, we are going to see the qualifications we need to meet in order to be counted as sheep rather than goats.  Sheep behave in certain ways, because they are sheep, not goats!

Father, I have to behave in a way that I am known as your child…a sheep in your care!  Grant me wisdom and strength.  In Jesus’ name, amen.