WHAT WE DO – AND DON’T DO
A place at the table…God’s table. Do any of us deserve this invitation? Without his grace and the forgiveness of sin, none of us is deserving. But we have accepted Christ as our savior and asked for the forgiveness of our sins. Isn’t that our way to heaven? Our ticket? Our invitation?
This passage would suggest that is not enough. “…whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.”
A place at the table…How are we invited? Does this passage suggest we treat our sisters and brothers as we would treat Christ if he were in their place? Or as if they were his sheep? Can any of us sinners aspire to such great compassion, let alone achieve it? Most of us fall short as often as not. We are sinners and unworthy…
…if not for God’s grace and forgiveness. That is God’s promise to us.
A place at the table…Pastor Tom had a sermon that helped me deal with the enormous responsibility suggested in this lesson. We shall extend to our sisters and brothers an invitation to Christ’s mercy and love – literally. We are examples by what we do … and by what we do not do, even to the least of these. It is part of the passage, but often overlooked because of the enormity of the challenge to be Christ-like. We are all unjust, undeserving sinners, but all of our Lord’s sheep deserve a new way to live under the care and love of Christ.
A place at the table…Who might we invite? Who might we help? Who might we feed or clothe? Who has Christ in them and we just cannot see? Who wants an invitation?
Precious Lord, we are grateful for your love and forgiveness. Please help us to see you in the faces of all your children so we might become an invitation and an example to all. Amen.
