Advent-Christmas Devotions
Wednesday, December 31
New Years Eve
Matthew 25:31-46
[Jesus said to the disciples:] 31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, 33 and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left. 34 Then the king will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world, 35 for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food or thirsty and gave you something to drink? 38 And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you or naked and gave you clothing? 39 And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ 40 And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me.’ 41 Then he will say to those at his left hand, ‘You who are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels, 42 for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not give me clothing, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ 44 Then they also will answer, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison and did not take care of you?’ 45 Then he will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ 46 And these will go away into eternal punishment but the righteous into eternal life.”
“… 37 Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that…”
As we close out another year, it is typically a time to reflect on what was done during the previous twelve months. For some, that leads to joyful celebrations of successes, accomplishments, and special revelations that occurred. Others may remember the season as one filled with disappointments, sorrows, or tragedies. For most, it will be a mixed bag of both joys and sorrows. Life is generally like that.
Whatever is recalled, some will take the opportunity to consider making changes in the new year. Often in the form of resolutions, these intended alterations are designed to improve the life of the one making the promise while simultaneously improving the lives of those around them. Typically, the two go together.
In the parable, Jesus reveals to his listeners another way. His call is to live a life that prioritizes care for the hungry, homeless, sick, imprisoned, impoverished, and marginalized in society. As this is done, Jesus reminds us, it is done as to the Lord himself. It is our call as people of faith.
Then, when we look back on the previous year, as we are likely to do this day or the next, we can answer the question: Lord, when was it that… Perhaps then we may be counted among the righteous sheep.
Prayer: Lord, you have shown us the way to life, not just for ourselves but also for others. Inspire me by Your Spirit to be a righteous sheep in this New Year, and always. Amen.