That Verse…

You know, there is always that verse that strikes you about the nature and character of God. When Jesus spoke these words, he was explaining to his followers about how, at the end of our lives, God will look at us and will review our actions on earth. In the simplest way possible, God will look at how we treated others, especially those who were poor, hungry, destitute, hopeless.

We see that he is not interested in monuments, movements, or organizations. He wants to know how we loved him by loving others. If we care for others, we care for Him. This may have been a revelation to those early followers of Jesus. In fact, it may be a revelation to some followers of Jesus today.

Think of people who are starving in war-torn parts of the world. Think of those in prison, or those living under repressive government regimes. Think of your neighbor who may need your help. This visual reminder in my office reminds me that we are in the hands of a loving Father. People may only feel that hand through our response to those in pain.

As we start the Thanksgiving season, and then Christmas, we see that star in the distance of the picture. The hope of the world was announced by that star. We too can be the hope of a needy and suffering world.

Whatever you did for one of the least of these… you did for me.