“Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’” (Matthew 25:37-40)
As we come to the end of the Liturgical year, our Lectionary readings help us to focus on the return of Christ and the end of the world. In the light of His Second Coming as well as of the present chaotic state of our world, we do well to think about what the Lord would have us do, how He would have us live. We should not be wasting time surfing the Internet, playing mindless computer games, or joining in organized protests for or against those causes popular with those who do not know or serve Jesus. We should we be doing Kingdom work.
Jesus’ parable about the separation of the sheep and the goats helps us to see what this Kingdom work involves, works of mercy, love, and compassion for our fellow human beings, works that get us involved with people, get our hands dirty, works that are done not for recognition, reward or approval. These works are not merely joining in protests or demonstrations that accomplish little more than making people feel good about themselves or empowered in the face of what they perceive as oppressive authoritarianism. These works are done in humble service to the King of Kings, Jesus. Our reward comes from Him.
Although we are saved by God’s grace through faith and not by our works, Kingdom works are very important. They are the outward profession of a faith that is genuine. They give glory to God in Christ Jesus for they are done in His Name. Kingdom works are not done for human honors, to atone for sin, or to salve a guilty conscience as is the basis for good deeds that many do. Our deeds are not done to earn us salvation or merit with God. They are done because we love Jesus and desire to share His love with everyone, not with slogans, chants, and ranting but with actual physical and sacrificial deeds done for downtrodden and needy people. Such deeds are done out of love and thanksgiving for the Lord Jesus and what He has done for us. Therefore we gladly use our talents and gifts in the service of others as we bring the comfort and assurance of Jesus to all those who are fearful and confused so that they may know the mercy of God.