“Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’ Matthew 25:37-40

I heard a beautiful story of a lady who ran a soup kitchen providing meals to a cities homeless that really illustrates this red lettered piece of Scripture. Just before they opened the doors to serve those in the community who had been marginalised and disenfranchised the team helping stopped to pray. The lady always prayed the same prayer. “May we see the face of our Lord on each one who walks through these door s today”. It’s a lovely story and one that is often so far removed from the reality of how we live this Jesus life that we have been entrusted with.

It doesn’t take long for us to become distracted from the Jesus life and revert back to raising SELF above everyone and everything. Instead of become a servant in the name of Jesus we would rather have the power of Jesus service our needs and desires. Instead of being ambassadors of the Gospel, bearing the message of Good News to a broken humanity, we set ourselves up as judge, jury and executioner!

Its more common than not, that we are happy to serve and help those who fit into our comfort zones and our ideals and values, but Jesus calls us to stretch beyond our comfort zones and reach into humanity as He did. We are happy to do anything for the Father in Jesus name through the power of the Spirit as long as it doesn't inconvenience us or embarrass us or ask us to lean outside of the “God Box” we have structured into our lives.

This passage of scripture boldly proclaims that if we are to see Jesus and serve Jesus we do so by ministering to the very people He gave His life for ... whether they know it or not, without judgement or prejudice. We have to move beyond ourselves in service! Service does not bring salvation, but salvation always leads to service and if I may be so bold... Inconvenient Service! Otherwise it’s not really sacrifice or surrender or service, but rather its self serving and agenda driven, seeking what you can gain from it.

Let us be found outside of our comfort zones and churches, lets see the face of Jesus upon all who cross our journey with Jesus. May compassion well up within us as we look at those around us and recognise that as we serve the least.... we serve the King of Kings and Lord of Lords - Hallelujah