Lifestyles Ideas Management - On Purpose for a Purpose

At first glance, the parable of the Sheep and Goats in Matthew 25 seems to suggest that our acts of love and kindness towards those in need will ensure us of eternal life and entry into the kingdom of God. But that would go against biblical teaching that we are saved by grace through faith and not by our good deeds (Eph. 2 8-9) A careful reading of the parable however will show that the parable is not about works – salvation. The parable, as recorded for us in the Gospel of Matthew, does not stand alone. It is in fact the last of a series of five parables that Jesus told his disciplines in response to their query concerning the destruction of the temple and the sign of his coming and of the end of the age (Matt. 24:3)> it is essential then to take this connection and context in mind if we are to better understand the point and meaning of Jesus’ teaching.

Taken as a whole, the five parables, beginning from Matthew 24:34 to all of chapter 25, show us what Jesus expects of his followers in the time between his first coming and his return, namely that his return will come suddenly, unexpectedly. As such, he expects us to be watchful, ready to meet him anytime. We are to be faithful in the use of all that God has entrusted to us, and to be filled to overflowing with love for others. Then, we need not fear judgment and can instead trust God for our eternal salvation.

Many of us desire to live our lives as meaningfully and as purposefully as possible. We want to be faithful to God and loving towards others. But we have bills to pay, children to feed and parents to take care of. In the midst of life’s struggles and challenges, how can we be faithful and wise servant? The answer lies in discovering what God has given you. Long before you were born, God determined your assignment and equipped you with special and unique tools to do the job. He has packed you on purpose for a purpose. The first step is living wisely and faithfully is to discover and use your uniqueness to make a big deal out of God everyday of your life. When you do that, your life becomes a living sacrifice, and both you and God rejoices… forever! Preached last Sunday 20 April by Pastor Richard Lim.