Justice in an unjust society 4

God powerfully identifies with the poor, weak and oppressed in our world and rewards every act of kindness towards “the least of these”.

Today’s reading will be powerfully enhanced with this song from Leeland:

Scripture

Matthew 25:31-40

31  “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. 32  Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33  And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left.

34  Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘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 drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36  I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’

37  Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38  And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39  And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’

40  And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’

Observation questions

1. What event is Jesus referring to in this text?
2. Who is Jesus referring to by “the Son of Man”? (verse 31; refer to Daniel 7:13-14)
3. Note the judgment of the King: what is the reason mentioned for allowing “these to inherit the kingdom prepared”? (verses 34-36)
4. List the kindnesses shown by those who inherited the kingdom. (verses 35-36)
5. How many kindnesses did the recipients of the kingdom have to show to receive this reward? (v40)
6. Why are the recipients of this reward so surprised? (verses 37-40)

Reflection and application questions

1. What are the key truths in this texts about (a) eternal judgment, (b) mercy / kindness, and (c) God’s identification with the poor, weak and oppressed?
2. Can you recall one poor, weak, sick, or imprisoned person whom you have shown kindness in the past? What does this text say about God’s attitude towards your act of kindness?
3. When last have you gone out of your way to show kindness to a weak, poor, or oppressed person?
4. Pray for compassion and wisdom, then schedule time this week to show kindness “to one of the least of these”, as though you do it to God himself.

 

How leaders can grow in pastoral grace

Leadership is all about care for the well-being of others expressed through acts of selflessness and kindness to better the state of those in their care.

In this short inspirational video Andre Kruger shares on how leaders can increase the pastoral anointing in their lives. For more on his teachings and obtain a copy of his book Increasing Heaven’s Flow in 40 days go to www.heavensflow.org

Scripture

Matthew 25:31-40

31  “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. 32  Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33  And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. 34  Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘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 drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36  I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’

37  Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38  And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39  And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’

40  And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’

Observations and reflections

1. What will Jesus honor the righteous for doing when he returns? List and describe what the Lord specifies in this text. (verses 37-40)
2. How does our Lord view caring deeds of love for people in need in this earth? (verse 40)
3. Why do you think the Lord views these loving deeds to needy people in such a way?
4. Carefully read verse 40 again. How many deeds of love does one need to do before the Lord recognizes and rewards one when he returns? And what does that suggest about the value the places on one person in need?

Personal reflection and application

The Lord loves and values each individual and therefore deeply identifies with the lack, pain and suffering of every person he created.  Therefore the Lord rewards every deed of kindness from compassion shown to each individual person, as if it is shown to him in person.

1. List three acts of kindness you have recently shown to people in need – especially those close to you.  Our Text today promises that the Lord will remember these acts of sincere kindness; how does this truth make you feel?
2. To grow in pastoral grace one simply shows compassion and kindness to people who cross your path, motivated by the truth that the Lord loves that person as he loves you. Consider the following Scripture:

Galatians 6:10 “…as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”

• In which ways can you “do good” today – especially those close to you? List 10 practical examples.
• Whom do you know that is sick in bed, alone or feeling down?  What can you do to show care and love for them?
• Whom within your family and Christian fellowship can you show kindness today?
• Whom in your every life can you show kindness today?
• Memorize this Scripture, and mediate on it all day long as you look for opportunities to show the loving care and kindness of our Lord to those you relate to. Pray that the Lord will grace you to show his compassion, kindness and patience so you may represent him well.

The Character of a leader: how to grow in compassion

‘Compassionate people are geniuses in the art of living, more necessary to the dignity, security and joy of humanity than the discoverers of knowledge’ – Albert Einstein
Look at this short inspirational video about how leaders can – and should – grow in compassion (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uY6hQzQJwfo).

Scripture

Luke 7:36-47

36  One of the Pharisees asked [Jesus] to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. 37  And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, 38  and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment.

39  Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner.” 40  And Jesus answering said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he answered, “Say it, Teacher.” 41  “A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42  When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?” 43  Simon answered, “The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt.” And he said to him, “You have judged rightly.”

44  Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45  You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. 46  You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. 47  Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven–for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.”

Observation and reflection questions

1. Give brief answers to better understand the universal lesson in this account:
   • What were the Pharisees known for? And can you see it displayed in this story?
   • How is this woman described in this account?
2. Picture the scene where Jesus and the other guests reclined next to the table for dinner, then this woman came in sobbing, washing Jesus’ feet with her tears, drying it with her long black hair, and finally rubbing it with fragrant perfume.
   • Why did she cry? Why would she make such a public scene (knowing she is not welcome in this “righteous Pharisee’s” house!)? Why did she pour expensive perfume on Jesus’ feet?
   • What bothered the Pharisees about this scene? Why were they troubled’ by Jesus (lack of) response?
   • Why was Jesus not bothered by her presence?
   • Why was Jesus not bothered by her display of affection?
   • What as Jesus’ response to Simon [and the other pharsisees?] [hint: note the emphasis in the initial phrase “do you see this woman”].
   • What was Jesus response to her?

Personal reflection and Application

Where the Pharisees saw an immoral sinner, an uninvited prostitute coming to disrupt their holy gathering, Jesus saw a repentant, broken worshipper.  Jesus looked not at her past or her clothing or lifestyle – he intently looked at her, until compassion welled up and mercy flowed from his heart.  And that’s how we grow in compassion – by intently into the eyes of someone until we can see how similar we are.

1. Recall one or two instances in your life where you received compassion and mercy from someone in your time of need.
   • How did compassion happen?
   • How did compassion make you feel?
   • How did you respond to the compassion?
   • How did that instance of compassion affect your life?
2. Memorize this phrase from Psalm 86:15 “You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion; you are gracious, longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth.” Keep this phrase in your mouth and heart today as you interact with every person today – see where compassion can well up in your heart and kindness can be sown.

Prayer

Pray that God open your eyes to see how he sees people, and for his compassion to flood you heart.

 

 

The Character of a leader: Compassion

“Love is not a feeling – it’s an act of the will.” Or is it?

Allow this short introductory video to give you a wider scope to the importance of compassion in the leader’s character before we reflect on today’s Scripture reading (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Va0FKnFSkjE).

Scripture

Matthew 9:35-10:1

35  And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction.  36  When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37  Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; 38  therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”  10:1  And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction.

Observation and reflection questions

1. Reflect on the text by answering the following questions briefly:
   • What is the context of this text? I.e. what was Jesus busy with at the offset of this text? (verse 35)
   • What did Jesus notice during his itinerant ministry? Say this in everyday language. (verse 36)
   • What did this observation caused Jesus to feel? (verse 36)
   • How did Jesus respond to his disciples? (verse 37-38)
   • How did Jesus respond to the need? (10:1)
2. What then was Jesus’ motive for the instruction and commissioning of his disciples?
3. As you reflect on the text try to visualize the events. How and why was Jesus’ heart moved with compassion?  What allowed him to notice the need in the towns and synagogues?
   • Based on this observation, what is necessary for one’s heart to fill with compassion for people?

Personal reflection and Application

Jesus leadership was always motivated by compassion – love that wells up in our hearts and stirs up to fulfill a need.  To read more about compassion as the motive of Jesus’ ministry, read this article What is Love?. (https://walklikejesus.net/2015/04/02/what-is-love/)

1. Consider the condition of your heart. Have your heart grown harder or softer for people in the last six months?
   • How do you measure it?
   • Why did it grow harder or softer?
2. Recall one instance in your life where you were moved with compassion to do something for someone or a community. When and where was this? Who did you feel for?  What was the need and how did you respond?
   • WHY did you feel for him/ her/ them?
3. Consider the people you lead (such as your small group or family or people at work). Reflect on one or two of them: their past, their current situation and struggles, their ambitions.
   • In which way can you identify with his/her past?
   • In which way can you identify with his/her current situation and struggles?
   • In which way can you identify with his/her ambitions?
   • Can you understand what they feel? Can you how you are quite alike?
   • Now pray for him/ her from your heart and afterward send a message of encouragement.

Prayer

Thank God for the compassion he has on you and kindness he extends towards you. Pray that the Lord “make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all” (1 Thessalonians 3:11).

 

 

Eternal Judgment 5

The aim of this devotional study is to remind oneself of how God rewards our everyday acts of kindness.

To prepare your heart with visual images for the Scripture reading, enjoy this beautiful demonstration of kindness in action by Thai Good Stories.

 

Scriptures

Matthew 25:31-46

31  “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy 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 them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats.  33  And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left.  34  Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of 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 drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in;  36  I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’

37  “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? 38  When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? 39  Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ 40  And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’

41  “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting 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 no drink; 43  I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’  44  “Then they also will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’

45  Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch 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 everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

Observations and reflection

1. How many people does one need to do an act of mercy / kindness before God notices? (v40)
2. How do you know Jesus takes the acts of kindness to people in need very personal? (v40)
3. List the types of kindness Jesus highlighted in this text. (v35-36) Which similar acts do you think Jesus would also reward that are not listed here?

Application

1. What do Jesus call people who showed kindness to people in need? (v37, 46).  Why?  How does that change the perception of the acts?  (hint: we commonly refer to “acts of kindness” as “social justice”… why?)
2. Prepare time, a gift and a kind word, and confident faith today to show kindness to someone TODAY, knowing Jesus will reward you in eternity for it as if you did it to Him! To whom and when will you do it today?
3. How can you prepare yourself every week / every week to do kindness to people in need, so that you “store up for yourself treasures in heaven”? (consider signing up at soup kitchen / hospital or prison ministry; also reminders on cell phone, weekly routines, someone to do it with you…)

Prayer

Prayerfully reflect on David’s Psalm below and ask God to give you the heart of compassion and kindness so you can receive these temporal and eternal blessings:

Psalms 41:1-3

1  To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. Blessed is he who considers the poor; The LORD will deliver him in time of trouble.  2  The LORD will preserve him and keep him alive, And he will be blessed on the earth; You will not deliver him to the will of his enemies. 3  The LORD will strengthen him on his bed of illness; You will sustain him on his sickbed.