When Did We See You?
OPENING PRAYER:
Father, I come to you wanting to know your heart more than I want to check a box. Show me what matters most to you. Amen.
"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'" (Matthew 25:37-40, NIV)
After the King welcomes those on his right, they respond with surprise. They do not remember ever serving him directly.
REFLECT:
There is something beautiful about the surprise of the righteous. They are not keeping a scorecard. They are not waiting to be recognized for their service. They simply knew Jesus, took his words seriously, and went about doing what he asked. Their kindness flowed so naturally from his heart in them that they did not even realize how personal it was.
We may picture faithful service as dramatic moments, but it often looks like what Pastor Rodney described: a mattress loaded into the back of a truck for a family who had been sleeping on the floor, a casserole carried to a neighbor, or a coat handed to someone shivering at a bus stop. In God's economy, these small acts carry eternal weight because they are done for the King himself.
There is freedom in this. We do not have to manufacture impressive acts of compassion. We only need to stay close to Jesus and say yes when he puts someone in front of us. One day we may hear him say, "That was me," and we will be just as surprised as they were.
APPLY:
Recall a time someone met a need in your life without making a big deal of it. How did it feel? Look for a quiet way to do the same for someone else, without telling anyone. Consider learning how to serve on a CarePortal delivery team, where you get to carry a meal, a mattress, or a need met straight to a family's door. Find out more in the Pathway App or at pathwaychurch.com/fostercare.
I WILL STATEMENT:
I will take action to remember the forgotten.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Lord, I want my love for others to be so natural that I forget to keep score. Fill me with your heart for the least of these, and let my service be a quiet offering to you. Amen.
PRAYER REQUEST:
Share your prayer request and pray for others.