“To the right or to the left”
Ye have done it unto me. —Matthew 25:40
Read Matthew 25:31-46
What a tense moment was taking place in our Bible passage. The Lord Jesus had returned and was about to make a final separation between the people. On which side would He have placed you? If you have any self-knowledge, realizing how much sorrow you have caused the Lord with your sinful life, then this question will cause tension and fear. On the other hand, you may also have a joyful longing to be with King Jesus.
The Judge of heaven and earth will come and separate the sheep from the goats. This will be the final, non-negotiable separation. By the terms “sheep” or “goat” a person is dispatched to heaven or to hell. What a fearsome moment this shall be. The Lord judges by the fruits that are found in the lives of both the believer and unbeliever. He will say, “You have given Me food, you gave Me drink, you visited Me in prison, you gave Me clothing.” By saying this, the Lord does not refer to Himself in the first place, but to His children. “In as much as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (v.40).
But when did the sheep give food to the Lord? They cannot recall these deeds, done not for recognition but out of love for the Lord and His children. This is a touchstone for us. When the Lord re-turns, can you then say that you love Him? He is coming. On which side will you be placed?
What are the fruits of faith?