July 15, 2025; Matthew 25:31-46

Daily Dose of Hope

July 15, 2025

Scripture: Matthew 25:31-46

Prayer:  Lord God Almighty, You have given us everything.  Not only did you create the world, but you created us.  Everything we have is a gift from you.  Forgive us for when we begin to think that things are “ours.”  Soften our hearts.  Help us become more generous.  Lord, I give you my whole self.  I want to offer myself as a living sacrifice; may I be pleasing in your sight.  In Your Name, Amen.

Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the daily Bible reading at New Hope Church in Brandon, Florida.  We are currently doing a deep dive into the Gospels and Acts.  Today, we are finishing up Matthew 25.

We closed up our devotional yesterday by talking about the importance of earning a spiritual profit for the Kingdom.  If you recall, we read the parable of the bags of gold, also called the parable of the talents, and we talked about how God expects us to be diligent with the resources he provides us.  Afterall, everything we have is from God and he expects us to use our finances, gifts, and skills, to expand his Kingdom, to earn a spiritual profit. 

But what does that look like in a very practical way?  Well, the rest of Matthew 25 gives us a picture of how God expects us to use our resources – our time, our money, our talents, and our skills.  It’s the text about Jesus separating the sheep and the goats. 

There are a lot of thngs about this parable that are worth mentioning.  First, Jesus is clear that the Son of Man, that would be him, will be coming in glory to judge the nations or all the people.  Some people say that Jesus will not return and others say he will not judge.  Actually, he himself says he will do both.  I think it is clear throughout the Gospels but it is also very clear right here.

What are the criteria for judgement?  It’s pretty clear.  Jesus has already spoken about how he came to serve and give his life as a ransom for many (Matt. 20).  Thus, he expects us also to serve the least of these.  But we have to be very careful here.  Salvation, as we know, is a free gift that comes through faith in Jesus alone.  We have to not turn this into a lesson in works-righteousness.  The Kingdom is a gift.  Think about it.  Those who are deemed righteous in this text don’t even know what they have done.  They are like, “Lord, but when did we see you hungry?”  They haven’t been out there trying to earn salvation.  They have just been overflowing with the love of Jesus, doing what should come naturally to a person who follows Jesus.  Their actions are evidence that they have a relationship with a loving, compassionate, merciful God. 

Scripture definitely demonstrates that Jesus strongly identifies with the poor and oppressed. Whenever we use our resources and talents to help alleviate the suffering of the poor or oppressed, then it is like we are doing it for Jesus.  But we really have to examine our hearts.  Are we trying to earn spiritual merit badges?  Are we serving out of obligation?  Are we serving or giving to feed our ego?  OR...are we serving and giving as an outpouring of the love, grace, and mercy that Jesus has shown us.  Yes, God expects us to use our resources well.  He expects us the earn a spiritual profit for the Kingdom.  But if doing so leads us to resentment and bitterness, then we have to look deep in our soul.  God loves a cheerful giver.  God wants us to want to serve him.

I guess this would be a good time to stop and just allow all of us to spend time in prayer.  First, are we working to earn a profit for the Kingdom?  If not, why?  And then, where is our heart in all of this???  Do we feel joy in serving and giving?  What is our motivation?  Let’s just talk to Jesus.

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki