Daily Devotion for February 28, 2024

 

Devotion:

For an audio version of this devotion, click here.

Read Matthew 25:31-33.

There was a television program in recent years called, “Undercover Boss.” The head of the business would go well-disguised to work as a regular employee. He or she would observe both the difficulty of the tasks as well as how the supervisors treated their employees and customers. At the conclusion of the time, the head of the company would bring in each supervisor and either reward them or ask for improvements.

After six parables about living responsibly as to be ready for the coming of the Son, Matthew brings these parables into this final dramatic scene. For Jesus, the present and the future aspects of kingdom life were not antithetical. With Jesus’ presence, the future had already broken into the present.

The identity Jesus calls his disciples and followers to is to a life of service to others, not for the reward, but out of love for God and others. Jesus identifies these acts of service unto others who are hungry, thirsty, hospitality to the stranger, clothing for those in need, and visits with the sick and imprisoned. The ones who serve others with hearts of compassion Jesus calls “sheep,” and the ones who don’t serve are called “goats”.

There is a story that at a distance, if sheep have been sheared of their wool, they can look very much like goats. But up close, it is easy to tell the difference. Likewise, God is present in our lives up close. We can’t fool God. God stays close enough to us to understand the honesty of our hearts as lived out in our service. This isn’t a “gotcha” kind of God’s presence but a grace-filled call from God to live a life of sincerely seeking good for others.

This call to serve others is life-giving. Self-care is healthy, but “self-centered-ness” can be life-consuming. Rev. Edward P. Markquart tells the story of one of his church members who wanted it to be said at the conclusion of his life, “You tell them folks that I am a sheep and not a goat.” Rev. Markquart said, “And he truly was an “old sheep.”

Personal Worship Option:

Dear God, through Jesus, your Son, we hear your call to serve others. Sometimes, this moves us beyond our comfort zones. Give us sincere and compassionate hearts and help us by your Holy Spirit to serve, remembering in serving others, we are serving You. Amen.