The idea of separation is as old as the first sin. Sin separates us from God and one another.
The Parable of the Judgment of the Nations reflects the truth of separation.
“When the Son of Man comes in his glory and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory.
All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left” (Matthew 25.31-33).
Blessed of the Father
Some will be separated into a category called “blessed by my Father.” They will experience God’s rule that has been prepared from the foundation of the world.
What qualified these people to be so blessed?
- I was hungry and you gave me food.
- I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink.
- I was a stranger and you welcomed me.
- I was naked and you gave me clothing.
- I was sick and you took care of me.
- I was in prison and you visited me. (Matthew 25.35-36)
This separation of blessed humans should not surprise us. This is consistent with God’s care for the most vulnerable of society. There are many passages that speak of God’s concern for those in need.
“Father of orphans and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation. God gives the desolate a home to live in; he leads out the prisoners to prosperity, but the rebellious live in a parched land” (Psalm 68:5-6).
“Learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow” (Isaiah 1:17).
“Speak out for those who cannot speak, for the rights of all the destitute. Speak out, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy” (Proverbs 31:8-9).
Reflecting God’s Character
Just as the concept of separation is consistent in the Bible, so is the need for God’s people to reflect His character.
The prophets often accused God’s people of going through the motions of worship while their behavior did not reflect God’s character.
The positive side of this equation is that the “blessed of the Father” are those who do reflect His character in their behavior.
Surprise!
The righteous were surprised when they learned that they had served the Lord so faithfully (verses 37-39).
This was the response of the king: “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me” (Matthew 25.40).
If we want to be among the crowd who are separated and blessed by the Father, we need to consider how well we reflect God’s character and love for the vulnerable and outcasts of society.
I won’t cover the remainder of the parable in my article, but it involves a separation for judgment. People failed the “least of these” and came under God’s judgment.
The primary issue for us is whether the life of God within us is reflected in our behavior. Let’s make sure we are on the blessed side of God’s separation.
YouTube Discussion
Rudy Ross, Bruce Kirby, and I discussed this passage on YouTube today.
Real Voices 