To make people understand the truth easily Jesus told them many stories. We will see some, regarding the apocalypse which emphasize His imminent appearance, with the warning becoming louder every day.
1. Wheat and Tares: (Mt 13:24-30; 36-43)
This parable is akin to the dragnet story (v 47-50).
God created Adam and Eve, pure and innocent. Even though they sinned, God forgave them and did not cancel the blessings He blessed them with. As per the blessing, as they multiplied, the Evil one wanted to sow some tares among them. Thus, Cain allowed himself to be corrupted by him. His offering to God looked sad before the excellent sacrifice of Abel. (Heb 11:4). We must not be like Cain who joined hands with the Evil one to murder his brother. Why did he do that? Because basically he was evil while Abel was righteous (1Jn 3:12). Here we see the wheat and the tare. "The enemy who sowed them is the devil"(Mt 13:39). Jude mentions the way of Cain in a bad light (v 11).
Since the dawn of history, God was sowing good seeds but the devil was busy sowing tares as we see Noah and others, Joseph and his brothers, David and Saul, good and bad kings, true and false prophets, those who chose Christ and those who rejected Him, etcetera. The master wanted the good and the bad to grow together. That's why we see tares in our family circles, in the neighborhood, in the churches and the world over. But at the end of the age the tares will be pulled up first and burnt.
Beware! Don't let satan corrupt you in any way. He is a deceiver. He knows your weak spots and comes to touch them. Be a wheat. Be alert and escape him that you may escape the end-time inferno. Be careful about the tares in your circle lest they corrupt you. If at all possible, try to pull them out of the fire (Jude 23). Never let yourself be stained by them.
2. Sign-seekers: (Mt 16:1-4; Mk 13:28,29)
The Pharisees and Sadducees asked for a sign from heaven. They themselves said that Jesus performed many signs (Jn 11:47). Yet they wanted one from heaven. Did they expect some magic show or something? Jesus could have done that, but was upset because they were experts in discerning the signs in the sky and interpreting them correctly. And obvious signs of the times were all around them. They saw the miracles Jesus did, manifesting the kingdom of God. The sign of the prophet Jonah was already given. Like Jesus, he came to warn the people, was in the belly of the whale for three days, and came out unscathed. Although the disciples forgot all about what Jesus said of His coming alive on the third day, His enemies' allegation to Pilate was, "Sir, we remember, while He was still alive, how the deceiver said, 'After three days I will rise'"(Mt 27:63). Yet even after they received firsthand information through the guards that He had risen, they wouldn't believe Him. That's why Jesus called them hypocrites. The sad thing is, He turned on His heel and walked away (16: 4). So to say, God lost interest in them. How terrible!
In this scientific age, when we can forecast the weather accurately, can we ignore the signs that we see around us, that are all too obvious, pointing to His imminent return? Most of us are preoccupied with our eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage (Mt 24:37,38). So, do we stop doing all this? How did Noah escape the flood? He was eating and drinking, he married and got his children married. But when warned of God, though he didn't see the rain, by faith, moved with fear, prepared an ark to save his family. This act of faith condemned the world around him that did not believe. But Noah became heir of righteousness (Heb 11:7). The Bible says that out of the ungodly gang, God saved Noah. So He knows how to save godly people from temptation, but sets aside the ungodly for punishment on the day of roll-call. So those who live in lustful sins will not be spared (2 Pet 2:5,9,10).
No Christian can deny the signs of Jesus' Second Coming, which are staring at us. Wars, nation against nation, kingdom against kingdom, famines, diseases, earthquakes! Let's discern the signs of the times and get ready for His advent. Beware, lest He leaves you and depart, as He did the Pharisees.
3. The Marriage Supper: (Mt 22:1-14)
We know very well about this parable of Jesus, and so I want to highlight only one aspect, that is persecution.
Some of the invitees caught hold of his servants, treated them shamefully, and killed them. There was a time when foreign missionaries came to India, sowed the seed, and reaped abundant fruit. Churches sprang up. Entire villages were converted. Then there was a restriction for them to enter India. Of late, money inflow from other countries into India has been blocked. What next? We have to rise up as missionaries and turn our purses inside out. But barriers were raised for missionary work. The Anti-Conversion bill was imposed on certain States, making evangelism difficult. Those who dared to evangelize were questioned, cases filed, arrested, and incarcerated. Naturally, fear gripped the hearts of active believers, and a huge downsizing of missionaries has become inevitable.
What do we do, now that the wind is becoming a storm? The early apostles faced a similar situation. When persecution rose, they did not stop evangelism but followed the instructions of Jesus and fled to other places where they found fertile soil (Mt 10:23). There they sowed and reaped abundant fruit (Acts 11:19-21). Their dedication, determination, and never-say-die attitude are commendable.
Can we swap our well-settled, successful life to a nomadic unpredictable life? The meaning of ministry is sacrifice, not success. Today, the thought is anathema to us because our priorities have shifted. We prefer to stay comfortable and avoid the inconveniences of making big changes and fall silent. When I ask some people if they are winning souls, their reply is inadmissible: "You see, it's not possible these days," they say. "Why not?" I ask. For me, any time is soulwinning time; any place is a field ripe for harvest. If I meet Christians, I encourage them to win souls.
The lepers said: We are not doing right. This day is a day of good news, and we are keeping it all to ourselves. If we tarry anymore we will be punished. So let us GO (2 Ki 7:9). Meditate every sentence of what the lepers said and act quickly. Isn't it wonderful how God chose lepers to take the Good news? Those who had to live among Gentiles like Daniel and his friends, Mordecai and family, spread the good news to Gentiles, though they continued to risk injury and death. God uses persecution for the dissemination of the good news. The enemy designed to scatter and lose them, but Christ designed to scatter and use them.
4. Wisdom and Watchfulness: (Mt 25:1-13)
The parable of the Ten Virgins starts with wisdom and ends with Watchfulness. What was Jesus trying to teach us in this story? Unless we are wise and unless we are watchful, we are not going to make it in the Second Coming. I suppose Jesus had youth in mind when He told this story because He spoke about virgins.
In search of wisdom, today's youth end up with empty knowledge. Knowledge is understanding gained through experience of study. But wisdom is the enlightenment that God gives. In the bargain to gain knowledge youth fail to acquire wisdom. Knowledge doesn't help you to get ready for the Second Coming of Christ but wisdom does. How? The foolish virgins knew all about the coming of the bridegroom. So they prepared themselves to meet the groom as per the protocols of the time. But there was no rule that demanded that they take extra oil. But the other five virgins had the divine wisdom along with their knowledge to take extra oil. So pray for divine wisdom.
Imagine the scene. The boisterous youth are jumping around in their trendy outfits and matching earrings, laughing, joking, and preparing themselves for the great event. "What's that yucky thing hanging on your shoulder? Oil, yeh? Why that extra burden? It spoils your look," scoffs one comrade. Yes, for some youth, reading the Bible, praying, church attendance, going for outreach, are all extra burden and yucky on their butterfly life. But the wise youth are always alert to weed out the unnecessary things of life to accommodate the essentials. Woefully the ones without oil were caught unawares at the eleventh hour. "The end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers "(1 Pet 4:7).
Young people, be on your guard lest the devil carry you rock-rocking in his gentle arms away from God. It is imperative that you are watchful every moment that you may not fall for his clandestine and sinister tricks. Examine your life to see if there is anything questionable. Mercilessly hack it and throw it off. It is better to enter heaven without a hand or leg than going to hell with all limbs (Mt 5:29,30).
5. Faithfulness in Work: (Mt 24:45-51).
A master goes out, leaving his household in the custody of a servant. His job was to take care of his fellow servants. The master didn't tell him when he'd return. Hence, the servant had to be alert to "immediately " open the door for his master (Lk 12:36). If he was awake and watchful to receive his master, he'd receive royal treatment (v 37). If not, if he started abusing his fellow servants and to eat and drink, He'd be caught unawares when the master appears unannounced and catches him red-hand; his license would be cancelled and he'd receive eternal punishment.
It is sad to see many saints who were alert once upon a time, now leading a careless life. Outwardly, they still continue their religious activities, but their life is far from what it was. Naturally, their work suffers. God has not turned a blind eye towards them. He will hold them accountable on that day. Judah married a Canaanite woman. Just because the Bible has no comment there, don't think God ignored it. Many years later, the deep wound in God's heart was exposed when He spoke through His prophet (Gen 38:2; Mal 2:11).
Faithfulness is trustworthiness. The master trusted them with a certain work and expected them to be at it till he returned. But they baptize their sins with a lovely name. Their conscience is seared with a hot iron (1 Tim 4:1). That means their conscience was dead. They think they are okay. But sadly will be caught unawares at the return of Christ. Can you imagine a Soulwinner going to hell?(Mt 23:15). Jesus said: I know My sheep (Jn 10:14). Beware lest He tell you: I do not know you.
People love God, but very few fear Him. Never become slack in the work God has entrusted you with. "You brothers are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief"(1 Thess 5:4). Every Christian has a responsibility. If you are a youngster, study well and do your duties at home promptly. For Christians, family should be sacrosanct. Housewives must be busy doing good works, bringing up children in godly ways, giving hospitality to strangers and God's servants and careful to do every good work (1Tim 5:10). Most women put their partner and children at the top of their priority list. But a new trend is emerging. Working women have pushed them to second place in order to concentrate on their careers. Men must be diligent in their jobs and fatherly duties. As heads of their homes it is their duty to care for everyone in the family. If the master comes unexpectedly, will he find you abusing your wife, children and coworkers?
6. Using Your Talents: (Mt 25:14-30)
Dear young people, don't tell God that you don't have a talent, and talk to Him arrogantly like the man in the parable. You have to find your talent. Maybe out of shyness or laziness, you are hiding it. Now is the time to come out of your shell and start using your talent, whatever it may be. Involving in idle pastimes will rob you of your fruitful works. I see youth lolling around in the streets, sitting in cafes, and whiling away their time. What will they give back to their Master?
The great enemy is the loss of hope. "The first step in getting somewhere is to decide you're not going to stay where you are," says P. Morgan, Financier and Investment Banker. Never look back in regret, but move on to the next thing. The amount of time people waste dwelling on failures rather than putting their energy into another project is enormous. On the other hand, if you put your best foot forward, you will soon find yourself shining in your field. "Believe you can and you are halfway there," said the 26th U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt. Ideas are easy, but it is the execution that's hard. Your idea is your talent. Execute it. If you long to be successful, to breakdown from your humdrum existence, then there is a key called persistence that can open doors and transform your life, enabling you to achieve goals you had previously thought impossible.
Part of the laxness of the one-talented man was because he was wicked, talking arrogantly to God, charging Him of over strictness. First, understand that you are His "own servant" (v 14). He owns you and wants to honour you with a joyful life. Stop looking for 'something next' but take what you've got and exploit it to the fullest. What P. T. Usha, one-time Olympic champ, has written in the June 2025 Reader's Digest will revolutionize your life. Get your hands on it or write to me for the matter. "Desire changes nothing; decision changes something; determination changes everything," goes the adage.
Just look at your prosperity if you take a little effort - you will receive more and you will have abundance (v29). You will be counted good and faithful and you will enjoy what all the Master has for you (vv 21-23).
7. Charity and Good works: (Mt 25:31-46)
The King divided the whole world into two - sheep and goats. Sheep are herd animals, closely following the shepherd. Most have no horns and are sociable. They can handle various weather conditions. Goats are independent and challenging to control. They have horns and seek shelter in protected areas. Jesus was sheep, not a goat.
Now do you understand why the King was cordial to the sheep and hostile to the goats? People of the world can be easily sorted out into the soft and gentle ones who care for others and the rough and tough ones who care only about themselves. So, are we sheep following our gentle Shepherd, caring for those in need or do we fall into the category of the horned goats?
If you are greedy goats, building house upon house and buying field upon field, Isaiah says, those houses will be desolate without inhabitants (Isa 5:8,9). Listen to what the Lord tells Shallum son of Josiah, King of Judah: All went well with your father because he lived a righteous life. He went out of the way to help the poor and downtrodden. You don't become a king just because you live in a palace (Jer 22:15,16). We see God in disguise all the time in people living in dismal poverty.
Daniel's advice to the shaken Nebuchadnezzar was: Leave your sins by being righteous and your iniquities by showing mercy to the poor (Dan 4:27). Nebuchadnezzar did not listen to the counsel and became goaty. Caring for the poor and widows was one of the major concerns of the early church (Acts 6:1; Gal 2:10). You know the rich man who landed in hell because he cared not a hoot for the poor beggar Lazarus.
"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is never wasted," said Aesop, Greek fabulist and storyteller. You do not need a treasure trove to give. The desire to share is what counts the most. Our Lord, who changed water into wine, can change you from being an uncaring goat to a caring sheep. Go down on your knees that on that terrible Day, you may be shown the right side. Please note that they were not judged on the basis of their godliness but on the basis of their tenderness.
The wake-up call has come. Red lights are flashing. On the Judgement Day, we will be called to give an account of our lives. I will have to take responsibility for my own choices and decisions. Let us search our hearts and set right our ways that we may enter the joy of the Lord. Beware of tares that may drag you down the path of destruction. Do not look for more signs and be caught unprepared. Face persecution boldly. Rub your eyes and keep awake. Never be slack in your job. Your Master is coming to collect the profit His talent earned. Be quick-footed and caring. Then you will be able to joyfully welcome the Lord, "Come, Lord Jesus!"
Dr. Lilian Stanley
13 Church Colony
Vellore 632006, India
+91 9843511943
lilianstanley@gmail.com
Blessing Youth Mission
13 Church Colony
Vellore 632006, India
+91-416-2242943, +91-416-2248943
hq@bymonline.org
www.bymonline.org
Click here for more options
To buy books written by Dr. Lilian Stanley, kindly reach to us in the follwing address
Blessing Literature Centre
21/11 West Coovam River Road,
Chintadripet,
Chennai 600 002, India.
+91-44-28450411, 8806270699
blc@bymonline.org
To make people understand the truth easily Jesus told them many stories. We will see some, regarding the apocalypse which emphasize His imminent appearance, with the warning becoming louder every day.
1. Wheat and Tares: (Mt 13:24-30; 36-43)
This parable is akin to the dragnet story (v 47-50).
God created Adam and Eve, pure and innocent. Even though they sinned, God forgave them and did not cancel the blessings He blessed them with. As per the blessing, as they multiplied, the Evil one wanted to sow some tares among them. Thus, Cain allowed himself to be corrupted by him. His offering to God looked sad before the excellent sacrifice of Abel. (Heb 11:4). We must not be like Cain who joined hands with the Evil one to murder his brother. Why did he do that? Because basically he was evil while Abel was righteous (1Jn 3:12). Here we see the wheat and the tare. "The enemy who sowed them is the devil"(Mt 13:39). Jude mentions the way of Cain in a bad light (v 11).
Since the dawn of history, God was sowing good seeds but the devil was busy sowing tares as we see Noah and others, Joseph and his brothers, David and Saul, good and bad kings, true and false prophets, those who chose Christ and those who rejected Him, etcetera. The master wanted the good and the bad to grow together. That's why we see tares in our family circles, in the neighborhood, in the churches and the world over. But at the end of the age the tares will be pulled up first and burnt.
Beware! Don't let satan corrupt you in any way. He is a deceiver. He knows your weak spots and comes to touch them. Be a wheat. Be alert and escape him that you may escape the end-time inferno. Be careful about the tares in your circle lest they corrupt you. If at all possible, try to pull them out of the fire (Jude 23). Never let yourself be stained by them.
2. Sign-seekers: (Mt 16:1-4; Mk 13:28,29)
The Pharisees and Sadducees asked for a sign from heaven. They themselves said that Jesus performed many signs (Jn 11:47). Yet they wanted one from heaven. Did they expect some magic show or something? Jesus could have done that, but was upset because they were experts in discerning the signs in the sky and interpreting them correctly. And obvious signs of the times were all around them. They saw the miracles Jesus did, manifesting the kingdom of God. The sign of the prophet Jonah was already given. Like Jesus, he came to warn the people, was in the belly of the whale for three days, and came out unscathed. Although the disciples forgot all about what Jesus said of His coming alive on the third day, His enemies' allegation to Pilate was, "Sir, we remember, while He was still alive, how the deceiver said, 'After three days I will rise'"(Mt 27:63). Yet even after they received firsthand information through the guards that He had risen, they wouldn't believe Him. That's why Jesus called them hypocrites. The sad thing is, He turned on His heel and walked away (16: 4). So to say, God lost interest in them. How terrible!
In this scientific age, when we can forecast the weather accurately, can we ignore the signs that we see around us, that are all too obvious, pointing to His imminent return? Most of us are preoccupied with our eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage (Mt 24:37,38). So, do we stop doing all this? How did Noah escape the flood? He was eating and drinking, he married and got his children married. But when warned of God, though he didn't see the rain, by faith, moved with fear, prepared an ark to save his family. This act of faith condemned the world around him that did not believe. But Noah became heir of righteousness (Heb 11:7). The Bible says that out of the ungodly gang, God saved Noah. So He knows how to save godly people from temptation, but sets aside the ungodly for punishment on the day of roll-call. So those who live in lustful sins will not be spared (2 Pet 2:5,9,10).
No Christian can deny the signs of Jesus' Second Coming, which are staring at us. Wars, nation against nation, kingdom against kingdom, famines, diseases, earthquakes! Let's discern the signs of the times and get ready for His advent. Beware, lest He leaves you and depart, as He did the Pharisees.
3. The Marriage Supper: (Mt 22:1-14)
We know very well about this parable of Jesus, and so I want to highlight only one aspect, that is persecution.
Some of the invitees caught hold of his servants, treated them shamefully, and killed them. There was a time when foreign missionaries came to India, sowed the seed, and reaped abundant fruit. Churches sprang up. Entire villages were converted. Then there was a restriction for them to enter India. Of late, money inflow from other countries into India has been blocked. What next? We have to rise up as missionaries and turn our purses inside out. But barriers were raised for missionary work. The Anti-Conversion bill was imposed on certain States, making evangelism difficult. Those who dared to evangelize were questioned, cases filed, arrested, and incarcerated. Naturally, fear gripped the hearts of active believers, and a huge downsizing of missionaries has become inevitable.
What do we do, now that the wind is becoming a storm? The early apostles faced a similar situation. When persecution rose, they did not stop evangelism but followed the instructions of Jesus and fled to other places where they found fertile soil (Mt 10:23). There they sowed and reaped abundant fruit (Acts 11:19-21). Their dedication, determination, and never-say-die attitude are commendable.
Can we swap our well-settled, successful life to a nomadic unpredictable life? The meaning of ministry is sacrifice, not success. Today, the thought is anathema to us because our priorities have shifted. We prefer to stay comfortable and avoid the inconveniences of making big changes and fall silent. When I ask some people if they are winning souls, their reply is inadmissible: "You see, it's not possible these days," they say. "Why not?" I ask. For me, any time is soulwinning time; any place is a field ripe for harvest. If I meet Christians, I encourage them to win souls.
The lepers said: We are not doing right. This day is a day of good news, and we are keeping it all to ourselves. If we tarry anymore we will be punished. So let us GO (2 Ki 7:9). Meditate every sentence of what the lepers said and act quickly. Isn't it wonderful how God chose lepers to take the Good news? Those who had to live among Gentiles like Daniel and his friends, Mordecai and family, spread the good news to Gentiles, though they continued to risk injury and death. God uses persecution for the dissemination of the good news. The enemy designed to scatter and lose them, but Christ designed to scatter and use them.
4. Wisdom and Watchfulness: (Mt 25:1-13)
The parable of the Ten Virgins starts with wisdom and ends with Watchfulness. What was Jesus trying to teach us in this story? Unless we are wise and unless we are watchful, we are not going to make it in the Second Coming. I suppose Jesus had youth in mind when He told this story because He spoke about virgins.
In search of wisdom, today's youth end up with empty knowledge. Knowledge is understanding gained through experience of study. But wisdom is the enlightenment that God gives. In the bargain to gain knowledge youth fail to acquire wisdom. Knowledge doesn't help you to get ready for the Second Coming of Christ but wisdom does. How? The foolish virgins knew all about the coming of the bridegroom. So they prepared themselves to meet the groom as per the protocols of the time. But there was no rule that demanded that they take extra oil. But the other five virgins had the divine wisdom along with their knowledge to take extra oil. So pray for divine wisdom.
Imagine the scene. The boisterous youth are jumping around in their trendy outfits and matching earrings, laughing, joking, and preparing themselves for the great event. "What's that yucky thing hanging on your shoulder? Oil, yeh? Why that extra burden? It spoils your look," scoffs one comrade. Yes, for some youth, reading the Bible, praying, church attendance, going for outreach, are all extra burden and yucky on their butterfly life. But the wise youth are always alert to weed out the unnecessary things of life to accommodate the essentials. Woefully the ones without oil were caught unawares at the eleventh hour. "The end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers "(1 Pet 4:7).
Young people, be on your guard lest the devil carry you rock-rocking in his gentle arms away from God. It is imperative that you are watchful every moment that you may not fall for his clandestine and sinister tricks. Examine your life to see if there is anything questionable. Mercilessly hack it and throw it off. It is better to enter heaven without a hand or leg than going to hell with all limbs (Mt 5:29,30).
5. Faithfulness in Work: (Mt 24:45-51).
A master goes out, leaving his household in the custody of a servant. His job was to take care of his fellow servants. The master didn't tell him when he'd return. Hence, the servant had to be alert to "immediately " open the door for his master (Lk 12:36). If he was awake and watchful to receive his master, he'd receive royal treatment (v 37). If not, if he started abusing his fellow servants and to eat and drink, He'd be caught unawares when the master appears unannounced and catches him red-hand; his license would be cancelled and he'd receive eternal punishment.
It is sad to see many saints who were alert once upon a time, now leading a careless life. Outwardly, they still continue their religious activities, but their life is far from what it was. Naturally, their work suffers. God has not turned a blind eye towards them. He will hold them accountable on that day. Judah married a Canaanite woman. Just because the Bible has no comment there, don't think God ignored it. Many years later, the deep wound in God's heart was exposed when He spoke through His prophet (Gen 38:2; Mal 2:11).
Faithfulness is trustworthiness. The master trusted them with a certain work and expected them to be at it till he returned. But they baptize their sins with a lovely name. Their conscience is seared with a hot iron (1 Tim 4:1). That means their conscience was dead. They think they are okay. But sadly will be caught unawares at the return of Christ. Can you imagine a Soulwinner going to hell?(Mt 23:15). Jesus said: I know My sheep (Jn 10:14). Beware lest He tell you: I do not know you.
People love God, but very few fear Him. Never become slack in the work God has entrusted you with. "You brothers are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief"(1 Thess 5:4). Every Christian has a responsibility. If you are a youngster, study well and do your duties at home promptly. For Christians, family should be sacrosanct. Housewives must be busy doing good works, bringing up children in godly ways, giving hospitality to strangers and God's servants and careful to do every good work (1Tim 5:10). Most women put their partner and children at the top of their priority list. But a new trend is emerging. Working women have pushed them to second place in order to concentrate on their careers. Men must be diligent in their jobs and fatherly duties. As heads of their homes it is their duty to care for everyone in the family. If the master comes unexpectedly, will he find you abusing your wife, children and coworkers?
6. Using Your Talents: (Mt 25:14-30)
Dear young people, don't tell God that you don't have a talent, and talk to Him arrogantly like the man in the parable. You have to find your talent. Maybe out of shyness or laziness, you are hiding it. Now is the time to come out of your shell and start using your talent, whatever it may be. Involving in idle pastimes will rob you of your fruitful works. I see youth lolling around in the streets, sitting in cafes, and whiling away their time. What will they give back to their Master?
The great enemy is the loss of hope. "The first step in getting somewhere is to decide you're not going to stay where you are," says P. Morgan, Financier and Investment Banker. Never look back in regret, but move on to the next thing. The amount of time people waste dwelling on failures rather than putting their energy into another project is enormous. On the other hand, if you put your best foot forward, you will soon find yourself shining in your field. "Believe you can and you are halfway there," said the 26th U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt. Ideas are easy, but it is the execution that's hard. Your idea is your talent. Execute it. If you long to be successful, to breakdown from your humdrum existence, then there is a key called persistence that can open doors and transform your life, enabling you to achieve goals you had previously thought impossible.
Part of the laxness of the one-talented man was because he was wicked, talking arrogantly to God, charging Him of over strictness. First, understand that you are His "own servant" (v 14). He owns you and wants to honour you with a joyful life. Stop looking for 'something next' but take what you've got and exploit it to the fullest. What P. T. Usha, one-time Olympic champ, has written in the June 2025 Reader's Digest will revolutionize your life. Get your hands on it or write to me for the matter. "Desire changes nothing; decision changes something; determination changes everything," goes the adage.
Just look at your prosperity if you take a little effort - you will receive more and you will have abundance (v29). You will be counted good and faithful and you will enjoy what all the Master has for you (vv 21-23).
7. Charity and Good works: (Mt 25:31-46)
The King divided the whole world into two - sheep and goats. Sheep are herd animals, closely following the shepherd. Most have no horns and are sociable. They can handle various weather conditions. Goats are independent and challenging to control. They have horns and seek shelter in protected areas. Jesus was sheep, not a goat.
Now do you understand why the King was cordial to the sheep and hostile to the goats? People of the world can be easily sorted out into the soft and gentle ones who care for others and the rough and tough ones who care only about themselves. So, are we sheep following our gentle Shepherd, caring for those in need or do we fall into the category of the horned goats?
If you are greedy goats, building house upon house and buying field upon field, Isaiah says, those houses will be desolate without inhabitants (Isa 5:8,9). Listen to what the Lord tells Shallum son of Josiah, King of Judah: All went well with your father because he lived a righteous life. He went out of the way to help the poor and downtrodden. You don't become a king just because you live in a palace (Jer 22:15,16). We see God in disguise all the time in people living in dismal poverty.
Daniel's advice to the shaken Nebuchadnezzar was: Leave your sins by being righteous and your iniquities by showing mercy to the poor (Dan 4:27). Nebuchadnezzar did not listen to the counsel and became goaty. Caring for the poor and widows was one of the major concerns of the early church (Acts 6:1; Gal 2:10). You know the rich man who landed in hell because he cared not a hoot for the poor beggar Lazarus.
"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is never wasted," said Aesop, Greek fabulist and storyteller. You do not need a treasure trove to give. The desire to share is what counts the most. Our Lord, who changed water into wine, can change you from being an uncaring goat to a caring sheep. Go down on your knees that on that terrible Day, you may be shown the right side. Please note that they were not judged on the basis of their godliness but on the basis of their tenderness.
The wake-up call has come. Red lights are flashing. On the Judgement Day, we will be called to give an account of our lives. I will have to take responsibility for my own choices and decisions. Let us search our hearts and set right our ways that we may enter the joy of the Lord. Beware of tares that may drag you down the path of destruction. Do not look for more signs and be caught unprepared. Face persecution boldly. Rub your eyes and keep awake. Never be slack in your job. Your Master is coming to collect the profit His talent earned. Be quick-footed and caring. Then you will be able to joyfully welcome the Lord, "Come, Lord Jesus!"
Dr. Lilian Stanley
13 Church Colony
Vellore 632006, India
+91 9843511943
lilianstanley@gmail.com
Blessing Youth Mission
13 Church Colony
Vellore 632006, India
+91-416-2242943, +91-416-2248943
hq@bymonline.org
www.bymonline.org
Click here for more options
To buy books written by Dr. Lilian Stanley, kindly reach to us in the follwing address
Blessing Literature Centre
21/11 West Coovam River Road,
Chintadripet,
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