James 2: 18b-22 PHILLIPS To the man who thinks that faith by itself is enough I feel inclined to say, “So you believe that there is one God? That’s fine. So do all the devils in hell and shudder in terror!” For, my dear short-sighted man, can’t you see far enough to realise that faith without the right actions is dead and useless? Think of Abraham, our ancestor. Wasn’t it his action which really justified him in God’s sight when his faith led him to offer his son Isaac on the altar? Can’t you see that his faith and his actions were, so to speak, partners—that his faith was implemented by his deed?
Matthew 25:31-43 MSG “When he finally arrives, blazing in beauty and all his angels with him, the Son of Man will take his place on his glorious throne. Then all the nations will be arranged before him and he will sort the people out, much as a shepherd sorts out sheep and goats, putting sheep to his right and goats to his left.
34-36 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Enter, you who are blessed by my Father! Take what’s coming to you in this kingdom. It’s been ready for you since the world’s foundation. And here’s why:
I was hungry and you fed me,
I was thirsty and you gave me a drink,
I was homeless and you gave me a room,
I was shivering and you gave me clothes,
I was sick and you stopped to visit,
I was in prison and you came to me.’
37-40 “Then those ‘sheep’ are going to say, ‘Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry and feed you, thirsty and give you a drink? And when did we ever see you sick or in prison and come to you?’ Then the King will say, ‘I’m telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.’
41-43 “Then he will turn to the ‘goats,’ the ones on his left, and say, ‘Get out, worthless goats! You’re good for nothing but the fires of hell. And why? Because
I was hungry and you gave me no meal,
I was thirsty and you gave me no drink,
I was homeless and you gave me no bed,
I was shivering and you gave me no clothes,
Sick and in prison, and you never visited.’
Observation
This “faith without works” passage has been a source of controversy when it is not set up next to Jesus’ words in Matthew 25 (and others). Our relationship with Jesus is supposed to be based on love, gratitude, trust and absolute faith in Who He is and what He will be to and for us. The problems arise when we begin to spiritualize this relationship. In the Message, faith and works are seen as parts of one body. If we cut off the body (works) from the head (faith), we end up with a corpse. That’s a picture that I can’t get out of my head!
If Jesus is our model for how humans should walk this life in relationship with God, then we can take our lead from how He lived His. He spoke the truth, shared the Gospel, taught the Scriptures AND healed the sick, raised the dead, fed the multitudes, and met the other needs that arose. In Matthew 25, Jesus is making it clear that we gain the blessing of God and entry into the Kingdom by being engaged in the comfort and care of others. “Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.” These are the works that demonstrate the authenticity of our faith.
Impact on Me
This week in Home Group we discussed “Church in the Wild”, our current sermon series. Many in our group shared how they share the Gospel and it became evident that how we share depends upon our personalities, our training, our resources, the method that brought us to the knowledge of Christ, the circumstances of our lives, our location, and so much more. I came away encouraged because so many embraced that God made them who they are specifically to be His instrument where they are, using their experiences, culture, humanity, in reaching people who would not otherwise be reached.
So, as I examine myself and how I respond to the love and grace given to me by this relationship with God, I am sure that I miss opportunities to respond in kind. How can I do more? This sermon series is leading to a call to activate faith, volunteer in whatever ministry fires the heart/soul and watch for and take advantage of those opportunities God sets up for us in our neighborhoods, workplaces and everywhere else we go. If we just sit and take in all the teaching without putting it in action, we will be those goats (NOT the greatest of all time, but rather a disappointment to God!). I think about my neighbors who are two men married to each other. They are so kind, generous and thoughtful but living a lifestyle that is considered sin. They were in Morocco during the earthquake and rented camels to take water to the devastated areas. Will they be among the sheep or the goats? Where will I be? Only Jesus knows.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, Savior, Redeemer, Ultimate Judge of all men, I worship and adore You. Lead me in trusting You to speak when I am led into uncomfortable or difficult situations. I know that You died so that none should have to perish. I know that You ate and associated with sinners so that Your presence and Your works would draw them to salvation. Give me that same heart to reach out to those You bring my way, especially those who seem out of reach, those whom society considers valueless, those who are considered too young or too old to hear, receive, and embrace You. Stir up the fire in me that You set as my calling, my best way to return to You the love, grace and sacrifice that You gave to me. Make it so, in Jesus’ name.
Pressing On In His Footsteps 