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exactly what He does and has done, minute
by minute, down through the millennia of
indifferent, unresponsive human history.
And so the Lord explains that “inasmuch” as
they did or omitted to do things for the least
of His brethren, so they did to Him. The
Greek suggests an exact correspondence.
Whatever is done to the Lord’s brethren is
done to Him. This is the point of the Lord’s
teaching. He is not simply saying that if we
do good practical works we shall be saved,
and if we don’t, then we shall not be. He is
saying that it is what is done or not done to
Him which is significant. So the point of the
teaching is an appeal to recognize and serve
His brethren, rather than to simply do good
works. The rejected of Mt. 7:22 “did many
wonderful works” - and the same word is
used here, “you did it unto one of the least
of these my brothers”. “One of” may seem
superfluous until we realize that ‘one of the
least of these’ is an invitation to look at the
group of sheep and focus upon any one of the
faces. This is a unique insight into the day of
judgment. We are enabled to imagine
ourselves there. The Lord is inviting us to
imagine the colossal importance of
perceiving Him in His brethren, and treating
them as Him. If only this principle were
understood in church life now, the church
would be a beacon of light in this world’s
darkness. All rejection, spitefulness, hard
speaking against other believers… would
disappear. We are to treat others in Christ as
if they were Him. And that is the basis of our
acceptance or rejection. “Of these…” invites
us to imagine a nod towards the crowd of
sheep, with an invitation to focus upon “one”
of those faces. The same faces we engage
with today.
| Duncan Heaster
Editorial | Meeting the Crucified Christ
I am a Christian
When I say that “I am a Christian” I am not shouting
that “I am clean living”, I am whispering “I was
lost and now I am found and forgiven”.
When I say that “I am a Christian” I don’t speak of
this with pride, I am confessing that I stumble and
need Christ to be my guide.
When I say that “I am a Christian” I am not trying to
be strong, I am professing that I am weak and need
His strength to carry on.
When I say that “I am a Christian” I am not bragging
of success, I’m admitting that I have failed and need
God to clean my mess.
When I say that “I am a Christian” I’m not claiming to
be perfect. My flaws are far too visible, but God believes
I’m worth it.
When I say that “I am a Christian” I still feel the sting of pain,
I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His Name.
When I say that “I am a Christian” I’m not holier than thou, I’m just a
simple sinner who somehow received God’s good grace.
(Author unknown)
... continued ~