Have you ever let your “sanctified imagination” speak to your heart about Jesus’ second coming? Matthew 25:31 says, “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne.” Those are Jesus’ own words about himself! Please also read Revelation 19:11-16, 20:1-3, and 20:11-15.

Jesus then goes on to speak about the final judgement of mankind. 2 Corinthians 5:10 says, “For we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.” If you are in Christ and have been born again, you do not need to fear. 1 John 4:28 states, “So Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.” The love of Christ eliminates the fear of the future!

Jesus uses the illustration of separating the sheep from the goats. The sheep, who are dependent on the Shepherd (in Christ), minister to Christ as they minister to the Least of These. The compassion that they are ministering with is a result of a converted heart. This is not a works-based salvation, but an overflow of Christ’s love. The goats (those who reject Jesus) who do not minister to the Least of These, will have said to them, “Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.”

Verse 46 speaks of the ETERNAL reality. This is a great motivator for how we live. May we be like Dionysius and Damaris. Acts 17:34, “But some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them.”

1. Have you been born again? What is your testimony? Speak it to someone this week.

2. How do you give your life away? (2Timothy 4:6-7)

3. When have you been a Least of These that needed ministering to?

4. Do you show the mark of a disciple as referenced in John 15:13? How?

Father, thank you for Your love and Your perfect plan. I see you at work throughout history through the creation, the fall, redemption, restoration, and the consummation. Thank you for clearly showing us that we have a choice to choose to follow You or reject You. I pray that through your kindness, You would draw ________________ to conviction. I pray that You would help me give my life away. I know I cannot do that unless I am filled with Your love. Please forgive me for the times that I try to minister in my own strength. Holy Spirit, please guide my hands and heart to the places I need to go to share my story of redemption with others this week.