Friday, May. 09, 2008

Pastors' Corner

Matthew 25:40

"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' NIV

In Matthew 25, we find a familiar portion of Scripture that tells us how we are supposed to treat each other in this life. Beginning with verse 31, we find that one day we will answer before God for the things we have done, and also, the things we have not done. There will also be a separation of the righteous and the disobedient. This separation revolves around how we have treated each other while on earth.

In verses 35-36, Jesus lists six important ways that we can reach out to each other. He listed people that were hungry, thirsty, without shelter, without clothes, sick and imprisoned. First He blessed those who saw these needs and met them to the best of their ability. The reaction of the righteous was that they had no idea that they were helping Jesus as they were helping people. We must remember that the most important thing to God is always people. Then He pronounced a curse upon those who did not see these needs and meet them. The disobedient were also amazed because they had no idea that God would take the treatment of people so personally.

Today is no different. There are still people in our city who are hungry, thirsty, without shelter, without clothes, sick and imprisoned. Today, we are still specifically called by God to help those in need around us. Let's stand together to answer the call of God and meet the needs of those in need in our city. If we do, we will be blessed and our city will be blessed also.

Rev. Stephen Hammond

Senior Pastor of Bethel Community Church

Rev. Stephen Hammond Senior Pastor of Bethel Community Church