Morning Devotional 031525 Serving God

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

  March 15, 2025

Matthew 25:34-40

34 “Then the king will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who will receive good things from my Father. Inherit the kingdom that was prepared for you before the world began. 35 I was hungry and you gave me food to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me. 36 I was naked and you gave me clothes to wear. I was sick and you took care of me. I was in prison and you visited me.’ 37 “Then those who are righteous will reply to him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you a drink? 38 When did we see you as a stranger and welcome you, or naked and give you clothes to wear? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 “Then the king will reply to them, ‘I assure you that when you have done it for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you have done it for me.’

Good Morning. Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me!

Ah, the sheep and the goats are before us this morning! 

I believe that each of us has had the occasion to put on airs when we felt required or compelled to impress someone. We do all the prep work so that everything is just right. We have the right foods, we wear the right clothing, and we say all the right things. 

What would we do if, in the middle of the big soiree, someone arrived who didn’t match the expectations of the event. It might be a stranger, an acquaintance, or even a friend. Would you quickly dismiss them and apologize to your guests, or would you spend time with them to determine their needs, or even invite them in to mingle with your important guests?

The other question is  would you go to the same effort if the group you were entertaining were less “important” than the guests you felt the need to impress. 

This is the message of the sheep and the goats. Serve the least of these brothers and sisters, and then you have served Jesus. Jesus calls us to be his face for the world. During his earthly walk, Jesus did not fill up his time hanging out with those who believed they had everything. Instead, he walked and ate with the sinners, sought the company of the outcasts, and boldly entered the places where the sick and possessed were living. 

Our “important” guests should be the ones who need someone to reach out and offer them a hand. Dare to be Jesus to the needy. 

Loving Lord, Maker of all things! We want to emulate the “important” people. When we take on the face of Christ, we do this as we become your servant. Thank you. We love you, Lord! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

Thought for the day: Opportunities to serve God are right before us.

Boldly serve God! Pastor Liz