mercy
10 - 04/25 /12:47
“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”
— Matthew chapter 25
A day or two before Jesus was arrested and subsequently crucified, He assured believers that He would return “in glory, and all the angels with Him. He will sit on His glorious throne and all the nations will be gathered before Him.”
Jesus claimed He would return—no ifs, ands, or buts about it. He shall return with glory and power—uncloaked. Angel armies shall accompany Him.
Jesus shall establish the kingdom of heaven on earth; sweeping aside all humanistic systems and institutions. All people from all nations shall be brought before Him. To those who did acts of mercy He will say, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the Kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.”
It sure sounds like Matthew chapter 25 suggests citizenship in the kingdom of heaven is earned by acts of mercy. However, Scripture is clear—as is Jesus’ teaching. Good works can not save us. Acts of mercy offer evidence that one is trusting in and living out Christ’s righteousness. People who have humbly sought and genuinely accepted divine mercy do good works. Mercy comes naturally to those who have made Jesus their Lord.
Shockingly, Matthew 25 records Jesus’ curse upon those who fail to do acts of mercy, disregarding His command to love your neighbor, even your enemies.
Jesus said the kingdom of heaven is the inheritance of those blessed by God. Divine blessing results from repentance and faith in Christ. Faith in Jesus nurtures obedience to His teaching, producing acts of mercy.
“For 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.” ~
Blessings,
Dan Nygaard