BE FAITHFUL TO THE END

 Ezekiel 34:11-24; Ephesians 1:15-23; Matthew 25:31-46

Introduction

Service is basically the action of helping or doing work for someone. Assisting or advising someone to accomplish a task. Our discussion today is to reflect on our divine calling to serve, a calling rooted in the sacred scriptures that guide our faith. 

In Ezekiel 34:11-24, the Lord speaks through the prophet, emphasizing His role as the Good Shepherd. The Lord shepherding His people is service. He declares, "I myself will search for my sheep and look after them." 

This is what King David sings to us in Psalm 23. The Lord Himself serves us and provides for us all our needs.

 Ezekiel's message reminds us that as followers of Jesus Christ under His care in service, we are graciously called to emulate the loving and caring nature of our Good Shepherd in serving one another.

In Ephesians 1:15-23, the Apostle Paul's words resonate with the idea of service. Paul prays that the eyes of our hearts may be enlightened to understand the hope to which we are called. This hope is not passive but calls us into action. 

Our calling to serve is a response to the immeasurable power of God that is at work within us. It is a power that empowers us to serve with love, compassion, and a deep understanding of the needs of those around us.

Jesus presents a vivid image of the final judgment in Matthew 25:31-46. He separates the righteous from the unrighteous based on their acts of service. 

The righteous are commended for feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and caring for the least of these. These are the very acts of service we have been called to do. Jesus makes it clear that when we serve others, we are serving Him. Our calling to serve is a direct response to the teachings of Christ, urging us to express our love for Him through tangible acts of kindness and service to those in need.

Certainly, this parable is often referred to as the "Sheep and the Goats Parable". Let us reflect on these three key points related to the theme "Called to Serve".

1. Service to Others is Service to Christ:

   In this passage, Jesus emphasizes that acts of kindness and service to those in need are seen as direct service to Him. "Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’" (Matthew 25:40). 

The righteous are commended for feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and visiting the sick and imprisoned. This underscores the Christian call to recognize and serve Christ in the marginalized and vulnerable members of society.

We must always know that our call to service is not weighed on the scale of what others can do for us in response. We service without expecting. We are called to serve free lunch to all, especially to the marginalised.

2. Service in Compassion and Mercy:

   Jesus highlights the significance of showing compassion and mercy. Those who are praised are the ones who extend kindness and aid to others without reservation. 

This reflects a broader message in Christianity about the transformative power of love and compassion in serving others, embodying the teachings of Jesus to love one's neighbor as oneself.

As Christians, we are expected to do unto others what Christ has done for us. Out of mercy and high compassion, we are called children of God. We are called to serve this on the table of all without reservation.

3. Responsibility for the Well-being of Others:

   The text implies a sense of responsibility for the well-being of others, especially those facing difficulties. The Christian call to service is not just a suggestion but a responsibility. It challenges believers to actively seek ways to address the needs of those around them, recognizing that their actions have a direct impact on the lives of others and, by extension, on their relationship with God.

We must always realize that our responsibility does not hinge on what others will or can do for us. We have not been given the authority to determine who deserves our service and who does not. We are called to serve all, even those who may have hurt or are hurting us in life. We serve what Christ has done for us.

Beloved in Christ Jesus, let me emphasize that believers are called to serve by recognizing and responding to the needs of others, understanding that in doing so, they are serving Christ Himself. It underscores the importance of compassion, mercy, and a sense of responsibility for the well-being of those who are less fortunate.

Conclusion

As we reflect on these passages, let us recognize that our calling to serve is not an optional aspect of our faith but an integral part of our identity as followers of Christ. In serving others, we reflect the love of the Good Shepherd, we respond to the power at work within us, and we heed the words of our Savior who identifies Himself with the least among us.

May this calling to serve be a source of inspiration and motivation for each of us. Let us embrace opportunities to extend a helping hand, lend a listening ear, and share the love of Christ in both our words and actions. In doing so, we fulfill our divine calling, becoming vessels of God's grace and instruments of His transformative love in the world.

Amen.

Shalom aleikhem...