Day 4–Serving the Least
Scripture reading for March 19: Matthew 25:34-36, 40 “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. . . .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'”
In today’s reading Jesus revealed His heart as King of Kings for those marginalized by human society. He carefully explained to His disciples, who were placed on His right, how He viewed their service to Him and His kingdom. They would be blessed by the Father and would inherit the kingdom as God’s children.
Jesus explained to them why they would receive this honor. He explained that they had fed Him when He was hungry and gave drink to Him when He was thirsty. They had welcomed Him as a stranger and clothed Him when He needed covering. They had visited Him when sick and ministered to Him in prison. Those on the right asked Him, when did we do all these things to You? And Jesus answered, ‘Truly I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these My brothers, you did it to Me.’
As first responders, we would do well to keep in mind this simple principle every time we respond to a call for help. We should view each person as one loved and made in Jesus’ image. When we serve those that our culture marginalizes, we are serving Jesus. We delight our Father in heaven as we act in faith, using our talents and training to meet the needs presented to us. He takes the ministry of His servants personally!
Prayer: Father God, thank You for the privilege of this calling to serve others. Help me to remember that as I respond to each call for assistance, that I am not just doing a job, but I am ministering to You. Fill Me with Your Spirit that I might accurately reflect Your love and grace each day. Amen.
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