During this time of staying in but looking out, several Activate Ambassadors and supporters, and friends from other charities, are kindly sharing their devotions, messages, and articles with us. Today’s message comes with love from our President, Fiona Castle.
The Sheep and The Goats
In Matthew’s gospel Jesus tells the parable of the sheep and the goats and the consequences of their behaviour. The sheep are welcomed into the kingdom because of their kindness and compassion. The sheep question this, to which Jesus replies: The King will tell them, I assure you, when you did it for one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it for me!”
“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
“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 25:31-40 (NIV)
At this time of uncertainty, when everyone’s life-style is challenged and changed and the word “coronavirus” comes into every conversation and news item, it is encouraging to hear so many positive stories of kindness and thoughtfulness.
Hundreds of thousands of people signed up to help the NHS in many different ways. Neighbours are shopping and collecting medication for those who are isolated. Doctors and nurses putting their own lives on line to care for the severely ill and dying. Lorry drivers are working all hours to get provisions to hospitals and supermarkets for our needs. there are so many beautiful stories of thoughtful caring people.
As I sit in my flat, surrounded by all the comforts I need, I give thanks to God for all He has done for me – for changing my life many years ago, when a lovely lady took the trouble to contact me and pray for me, which led me to inviting Jesus into my life. It was a day which changed everything!
I understand the horrors that many are experiencing right now and the fears of what will continue to happen and for how long.
My prayer is that through this, people of our nation will recognise that the need for God is imperative. We are shipwrecked and clinging to the wreckage, crying out for help.
Jesus is the only answer to those desperate cries. He is the only one who can bring peace into the hearts of individuals, even in the tough times.
Please pray for the power of God, through the Holy Spirit, to move in our nation and change our hearts.
