Matthew 25:12,41 “I tell you the truth, I don’t know you… Depart from me, you who are cursed.”
During the Soviet era when the Church endured fierce persecution, a secret prayer meeting was underway. Suddenly, the doors burst open, and two-fully armed guards shouted at those present: “Get out of this place if you’re not willing to die for your faith.” About half of the professing Christians got up and left, fleeing to safety. Once the doors were closed again, the guards put down their guns, took off their coats and hats, sat down and said, “Praise the Lord! We were just sorting out the sheep from the goats before we’d risk fellowship!”
Sheep and goats don’t always look that different, particularly in warmer climes where sheep are shorn of their wool all the time due to the heat. In Jesus’ parable of the sheep and the goats, he differentiates them based on their response to when he (or one of the least of these) was hungry, thirsty, a stranger, needing clothes, or in prison – i.e. based on what they did.
In Matthew 7:15-23, he talks about what fruit a tree bears, and then warns his listeners that only those who do the will of his father will enter heaven. “Many will say to me on that day ‘Lord, Lord, did we not cast out demons in your name’ etc Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”
His words may sound incredibly harsh and shocking, but it shows how important to Jesus it is that we don’t just talk a good game, but are willing to live out our words. There’s always a cost to getting our hands dirty. How are you doing on that level? You will most definitely come across someone who needs your help today. Too busy? Watch out!
Lord, help me to walk the walk and not just talk the talk today. Amen!
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