The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
Matthew 25:40
The ABC television channel has a program called “What Would You Do?” hosted by John Quinone’s. Using hidden cameras, the producers of the program try to capture the behavior of ordinary citizens who are confronted by complex situations that require them to take action or mind their own business. It is easy to become an armchair spectator who is shocked by those who choose to do nothing when a situation calls for action. But what would you do if the hidden camera was turned on you?
Take an imaginary trip with me and consider this same question, “What would you do?” Many of us wake up each morning with a clear sense of what each day holds. Today is no different because we are going to be “busy.” We are going to be busy at work, at home, getting children ready for school and busy with whatever else life throws at us. But what would you do if in the midst of your “busy” day, you suddenly heard the sound of the trumpet and saw Jesus descending from heaven (1 Thessalonians 4:16) with his gaze fixed on you? Think about it; would you be ready to go? It sounds like a fairy tale doesn’t it? It’s not a fairy tale, it’s the truth of God’s word.
Even though many pulpits have become silent about this topic, Jesus will come back in the same way, he went up to heaven (Acts 1:11). In the meantime, we will face reality, complex dilemma’s and divine appointments that will require us to either take action or mind our own business. We are not unsuspecting participants on a carefully crafted television show, but rather extraordinary beings (God’s handiwork), created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do (Ephesians 2:10). In addition, we have the Holy Spirit, to help us and guide us into God's truth. So perhaps you will come across someone in need; or you will notice an unjust situation at the office; or you will hear about a heartbreaking situation in your hometown or in some other part of the world. When these things happen in the middle of your “busy” day, what will you do?
Matthew writes, that one day “The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” So make today count. Discard the “busy” and instead choose to be focused. Slow down, listen, acknowledge, affirm, reflect, pray and be available. Don’t miss the opportunity to serve Jesus with skin on, and should he come today, you can joyfully and confidently say, “I did it all for you.”
Loving and Gracious God, I give myself to you today. Use me however you will. Open my eyes that I may see what you see, my ears that I may hear what you hear, my heart, that it might break where yours breaks. Move my feet where you want me to go and use my hands to heal, not to hurt. Fill me afresh with your Spirit and let me spread grace and hope in your Holy name. And when you come, may you find me faithful, Oh Lord. Amen.