November 26, 2015:  SOAP #2184:  

Scripture:  Matthew (NIV) 25:31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.

Observation:  From the heavens the angels announced His first coming to earth, but when He returns, they will accompany Him.   They will not be escorting him to a lowly manger, but to a throne in heavenly glory.  Obviously, it will be an amazing scene!  All nations will be summoned to appear and none will refuse the invitation.  There will be no supreme court to which one can appeal, for this is the FINAL court.

Application:   From the immediate context of these verses, we can see that how we treat the poor is very important to the Judge on the throne.  He is aware of their plight and He is aware of those who reach out to help them.  He is also aware of those who refuse to help.      The first American Thanksgiving was celebrated in appreciation for God’s provision through the previous winter and the abundance of the recent harvest.  It was also in appreciation for the native people who reached out to help them, not by giving them food, but by teaching them to fish and how to plant corn.

Prayer:   Lord, how I treat those around me is important to You.  Use me to help those nearby.    Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!