Well, after thinking all week about those who were surprised to discover that they were classified as sheep and goats at the last judgment, I’ve made this decision: it is the sheep who will be the most surprised because they will learn that their natural mode was to be gracious and would have never really thought about doing otherwise.
When Jesus tells this disciples to be in the business of making disciples, it seems to be with the assumption that this will be a normal part of life. In other words, as they go, as they live and have families and do life’s necessary work and find those occasional luminous moments of joy and peace, they’ll also be so sure of the love of God for them and of their forgiveness and reconciliation with our most merciful God that it will be simply natural to tell others about this. It’s just too good to keep to ourselves.
So, since we’ll do this naturally, we’ll also be alert to anyone who might be considered at any time the least of these; anyone to whom we might give water, food, clothing, compassion and life. This will be normal living. The kind of living where kindness isn’t the usual practice will be abnormal.
Wow–that just sounds so good to me!!!!
Let’s celebrate this in worship tomorrow–what a great way to start the week. We’re sending our youth off to the mission trip–they’ll leave right at 11:00 and all the rest of us will cheer them on as they practice being sheep, giving food, water, clothing and compassion in this very special way. It’s going to be a wonderful day!
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