Come ...
Scripture Reading — Matthew 25:31-40
The King will say to those on his right, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance.”
—Matt. 25:34
There are many challenging adventures to which Jesus calls us. When the seed of God’s Word takes root in our hearts, we follow its leading, inspired by God’s Spirit, and the Lord will grow the fruit of his kingdom through us (Matthew 13:23).
Our Lord leads us to do many kinds of things we would not usually do, and some of those can be uncomfortable. But comfort (or lack of it) is not the issue; the point is to bring God’s love to people in this hurting world, following Jesus’ example.
Jesus came to reveal God to the world (John 5:19-29; 14:6-21), showing his love and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. Jesus’ teaching and healing ministry is filled with examples of showing God’s love and pointing the way to eternal life, through him. In Matthew 25, for example, he calls us to feed the poor, show hospitality, care for the sick, clothe the naked, and visit prisoners. And he says, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these … you did for me.”
To follow Jesus, let’s use our time wisely with the challenges he has given us throughout Scripture. Then we will not only hear our Lord say, “Come,” but we will also hear the rest of his words: “Take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.”
Lord, too often we focus on things that distract us from serving you wholeheartedly. Forgive us and let us hear again your voice calling, “Come.” Amen.
About the author — John Van Schepen
Dr. John Van Schepen is a retired pastor who served churches in Washington, Wisconsin, Indiana, Oregon and California. He and his wife, Willie, have been blessed with five children and several grandchildren.
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