“When the Son of Man is available in his glory, and all of the angels with him, he’ll sit on his glorious throne. All the nations will likely be gathered before him, and he’ll separate the people one from one other 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’re blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the dominion prepared for you because the creation of the world. For I used to be hungry and also you gave me something to eat, I used to be thirsty and also you gave me something to drink, I used to be a stranger and also you invited me in, I needed clothes and also you clothed me, I used to be sick and also you taken care of me, I used to be in prison and also you came visiting me.’
One of Jesus’ final teachings on the tip times is absolutely a lesson of ultimate judgement. Of course, Jesus had just a few lessons regarding final judgment throughout His ministry. But the parable of the sheep and the goats is vital because an informal reading and one might think that it refers to salvation being the results of works. And yet, we must read a bit deeper.
Jesus tells us Himself – but it might be missed if we gloss over it. He makes clear that the inheritance allotted to the sheep just isn’t based on their works, since their inheritance – the dominion – was prepared for them “because the creation of the world.” Clearly, long before they may do any good works. The good works of the sheep usually are not the reason for their salvation – their righteousness – but fairly a results of their salvation.
The message of the Parable of the Sheep and Goats is that once we give ourselves to Jesus, we’re to do as Jesus did. God’s people will love others as they love themselves. Followers of Christ will love and serve others – serving the “least of those” – with caring and kindness, just as if we were serving Christ Himself. Because we’re.
Of course, exploring the tip times through these verses could and may offer us a glimpse of what’s in store for the world. These warnings weren’t as we give warnings, but fairly to function a reminder of God’s love and a notice to stay diligent. It is ours to stay steadfast and keep our eyes fixed on what’s everlasting, not what’s clearly temporary.
As we achieve this, we’re called to share the love and excellent news of Christ now, while it remains to be “called ‘Today’ so we is probably not hardened by sin’s deceitfulness” (Hebrews 3:13) – planting seeds and reinforcing the hope present in Christ.
Together, let’s embrace the approaching times with joy, and with courage, with faith – and with our eyes wide open! Let’s keep oil in our lamps! Then we could hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Jesus made us another promise regarding the “last day” – each time or whatever that is likely to be. It is a promise we are able to cling to despite anything that will come our way:
And that is the need of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up on the last day. For my Father’s will is that everybody who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have everlasting life, and I’ll raise them up on the last day.” –John 6:39-40
Photo Credit:©Unsplash/Nabih e Navarro
Greg doesn’t pretend to be a pastor, a theologian, or a Bible expert, but offers the angle of an on a regular basis guy on the identical journey as everyone else – in pursuit of truth.
Greg could be reached by email or on Facebook @ Greg Grandchamp – Author.
