Bible Pathways - Oct. 11, 2008
October 11
Highlights In Today's Reading:
Jesus emphasizes one theme in 3 ways: (1) He's coming! Be wise, be prepared (25:13). (2) Use your talents to build His kingdom (25:29-30). (3) Be Christ-like, do His will personally, and receive His blessings (25:40). The heartrending events of the plot to kill Jesus, His betrayal, and the disciples' actions are all in Chapter 26. Imagine! What would you have done?
There will come a day when the mere incidentals of comparative wealth, personal advantages, or popularity will all be seen for their true value — worthless. Watch (be prepared) therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of Man cometh (25:13). All the advantages that seemed so important will vanish and the final question will be: Did we express the love of God in our daily conduct as one who possessed the new life in Christ or only a professor (I John 1:7). My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth (I John 3:18).
When the Son of Man shall come in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then shall He sit upon the throne of His glory: And before Him shall be gathered all nations: and He shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep (ALL sin forgiven) from the goats (all who ignored His loving invitation) (25:31-32).
Christ-like love will sacrifice for the less fortunate and offer something of self to secure the well-being of the unlovely. This love reaches its greatest fulfillment while actively serving others for Christ's sake.
All seek their own (Philippians 2:21) — everybody, that is, except the man with the new life in Christ. He is not his own, for he was bought with a price (I Corinthians 6:20), and for him to live is Christ (Philippians 1:21). The Christian now possesses Christ-like love for his brother as well as his enemy.
Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me. . . . Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to Me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal (Matthew 25:40,45-46).
The Holy Spirit moved the Apostle John to write: We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. . . . whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? (I John 3:14,17).
Thought for Today:
God's Word teaches us not to just hear the Word, but to actually do the Word. Do our deeds prove His love?
Word Studies:
25:27 exchangers =b> moneylenders; usury =b> interest on money lent; 26:15 covenanted =b> agreed on; 26:47 staves =b> clubs; 26:63 I adjure thee =b> I charge you under oath before God.
Cross References:
For Matthew 26:31: See Zechariah 13:7. Matthew 26:64: See Psalm 110:1; Daniel 7:13.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Radio Sri Lanka International Shortwave Broadcasts for the week in memory of Mrs. Lola A. Sargent • Government Officials: Rep. Bob Inglis (SC), Rep. Sam Johnson (TX), and Sen. Patty Murray (WA) • Country: Israel (6.1 million) in the Middle East • Major languages: Hebrew and Arabic • Witnessing to Jews about Christ the Messiah is actively discouraged • 80.2% Jewish (mostly secular); 14.6% Muslim (largely Sunni); 2.1% Christian; 1.6% Druze; 1.5% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Revere and worship the Lord with godly fear and you will have no want (Psa. 34:9).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:33
