Then the righteous will answer him,
"Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you
something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked
and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited
you?" And the king will answer them, "Truly I tell you, just as you did it to
one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me."
As Lutherans, we believe that we are
saved by our faith in God and Jesus Christ. We believe that our faith alone is sufficient
for salvation. But this scripture, as recorded in the 25th chapter of Matthew,
calls us to put our faith into action.
It calls us to be servants to those in need – the hungry, the
sick, and all those who are oppressed by others. We all have the opportunity to answer
this call. One needs only to read a news publication or watch a news program to see the
enormous need and suffering throughout the world. Obviously we, as individuals, can do
only a small part. But collectively, as the body of Christ, we can do great things.
Members of Reformation, as a community in Christ, have many wonderful
opportunities to serve others through the community food bank, Crop Walk, Mennonite
Housing, Paint the Town, the Angel Tree, and other efforts. And the one most dear to this
writer is The Oaks Indian Center.
The Oaks, located in eastern Oklahoma, provides a home for Cherokee
Indian children who, for various reasons, lack a traditional home. They come to the Center
looking for love, care, and a proper education. We at Reformation have been blessed to
share our good fortune with the children of Oaks.
Yes, our faith will be enough for salvation, but our actions toward
people in need validates our place in this world. Let us look upon each person as the
person of Jesus Christ and do to others as he would. As a Christian community, we can make
a difference.
Lord, grant us the willingness to give aid to those in need. Food
for the hungry, clothes for the naked, shelter for the homeless, healing for the sick, and
love for all people. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Jerry Whetstone
