We are living in significant days for our nation with decisions being made that will affect us all as we serve the Lord here in the UK. We are seeing many different responses from people ranging from joy and celebration through to disappointment and fear. The major question for us is: How should Christians respond to all that is happening at this time? Let me share the following with you.
As a young pastor I served under a senior man who was gripped by the question ‘What Would Jesus Do?’ He asked all his ministry team to begin to ask ourselves the question as we went about our daily tasks, after all, we are called to reflect Christ in the world not only in word but also action.
The Bible says that the distinction between the godly and the ungodly will become more apparent again as we see the day of the Lord approaching. Mathew 25 v 31 – 46 records the parable of the king separating the sheep and goats, which will take place when the Son of Man (Jesus) comes in His glory. Those who are welcomed into the Kingdom and who receive inheritance are those who have served the Lord. We know we are not saved by good works, but here the test of true service which brings eternal reward is ‘how we have ministered to those in need’.
The King of glory says; ‘I was hungry and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you invited me in. I needed clothes and you clothed me. I was sick and you looked after me. I was in prison and you came to visit me’. The righteous are surprised because they cannot recall having done this directly for the King himself. The King replies; ‘whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me’.
In Romans 12 v 18 – 21 we are challenged. ‘If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone’. It goes on to say; ‘if your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this you will heap burning coals on his head’, (referring to God as judge).
It closes with the following statement: ‘do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good’.
In this time of uncertainty and vulnerability let us also ask; ‘what would Jesus do’? THAT IS THE QUESTION.
