THE FINAL JUDGEMENT
Greetings all! I have returned from a much-needed vacation with my family and a week at the beach with my youngest grandchildren. I am taking my own advice about self-care, which feels amazing!
It is time to get VERY serious about our attitude of servitude and this sermon will help lead you home. The FINAL JUDGEMENT is near…
I have never seen a sermon discussing Matthew 25: 31-46 as the final judgment, yet as you read these words from our Holy Bible you will see these scripture verses (in particular) are God’s Word about how our actions affect our eternal life. Yes, we are saved by grace and acceptance of Jesus as our Lord and Savior, however, there are expectations by God that prove Jesus truly lives inside of you. I also see Hebrews 13:1-6 as the sister scripture to Matthew 25:31-46, so I have included both, giving you an opportunity to read them both, then compare your thoughts and actions based on the mighty word of God!
Let me start with a personal story from just two days ago. I wandered into Starbucks for my delicious Venti Mocha Decaf and to see who God had sitting there waiting for me and Count that day. Upon placing Count on the floor while he eagerly awaited his treat of a puppachino (whipped cream) and a bowl of ice, Count oddly shifted himself to lean his back against the legs of a man sitting there. Perplexed at Count’s odd behavior, I glanced at a man who looked homeless, but certainly not helpless. He smiled at me with his almost toothless grin and asked me to let Count stay next to him while I gathered our drinks and Count’s treat. Although I admonished Count for acting on his own, I gave him permission to lay close to Jerry (as I soon found out was his name) and then sat down, relaxing, smiling, and facing Jerry.
Jerry was obviously a man of God, testing my knowledge of the Bible and other books written that some say are the “missing books of the Bible.” He was also knowledgeable about world religions and the norms of people following those doctrines. I firmly stated I was a non-denominational Christian and my beliefs could not be swayed, but I invited him to talk freely as I was extremely interested in everything he had to share with me. Surprised at my quick smile and warm eyes, “Preacher Jerry” (as he told me others called him) spent the next two hours sharing with me. It intrigued me, his obvious homelessness while 100% devoted to learning, meditating upon, and expressing in-depth knowledge of God’s Word. He was definitely not who you would be expecting to see as God’s chosen preacher unless you know the Bible well and God’s M.O.
About mid-conversation I noticed that Jerry got up and had the Starbucks workers refill his own container with steaming hot water, then he pulled out a tea bag and generously poured free honey packets into his homemade brew. He also sipped on ice water during our discussion so I assumed he had no money.
After Carl arrived to pick me up after his PT, my “godly” conversation with Jerry ended as we started a military discussion with a retired Air Force man who was sitting next to Jerry and me during part of our intent discussion.
After about 15 minutes, I knew Carl would be ready to leave so I told Jerry it was nice meeting him and I hoped to see him again, although knowing Hebrews 13:2 below, I wasn’t sure if he was an angel or not, which would signal this was likely a one-time meeting. He spoke a lot about angels during our conversation so it is very possible he was sent there that day to teach me.
Anyway, as I gathered my things to leave I asked Jerry “Is there anything I can get you before I leave?” Jerry looked startled and asked me “Like what?” I smiled and asked if he would like some food. He happily grinned his now familiar almost toothless grin and said “SURE.” His enthusiasm told me what I felt stir inside me and that was that he was hungry. I grabbed my phone and took him to the counter telling him to choose anything he wanted, which turned out to be a large lunch sandwich after making sure that was all he wanted, I pulled up my app and paid for his lunch. It was an amazing morning for me and I still bask in the glow…
I cannot help but believe this was Matthew 25:35-40 in action, which just happens to be our church scripture motto. I saw a man who needed someone to listen, to care, to love, and to feed him. I am happy to say I didn’t disappoint myself or God that day.
I tell you this story because these one-time encounters happen fairly frequently. So often, that I am sure the Starbucks staff are being evangelized by watching me care for others by buying food for strangers without regard for cost. Each time this happens, the words of this sermon I am writing for you play in my mind and heart. The Bible is clear that God looks at (is intently watching) our hearts and actions. As the scriptures below tell you clearly, LACK OF ACTION is an affront to God and He expects us to serve each person as we would if He were standing in front of us (because He is!).
It is also my purpose and job to WARN you of the dire consequences of your actions AND lack of action. I must be an example to the world, although admittedly for me, it is now second nature because God has truly permeated my heart and soul. It definitely took a lot of effort to get my attention and obedience, but God has owned my heart for well over a decade now and I couldn’t be happier being His servant, student, and teacher. I must note that the best teachers are excellent students!
It is my fervent prayer that you will take the time to read and meditate on the scriptures I have provided for you and fully understand their meaning; both positive and negative. Please do not be a goat and end up being pushed to the left on judgment day. We are the sheep of The Lamb and need to act that way! I treasure each of you and pray that we will meet in heaven and live in the eternal love, light, and happiness God has prepared for us. Love always, Lisa ><>
The Final Judgment - Matthew 25:31-46
“When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on his glorious throne. Before Him will be gathered all the nations, and He will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. And He will place the sheep on His right, [The place of honor] but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.”
“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.”
“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’ Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
Hebrews 13:1-6 “ Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body. Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous. Keep your life free from the love of money, and be content with what you have, for He has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”
READ AND HEED. AMEN!
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Love, hugs, and blessings, Lisa ><>