Matthew 25:31-46

Today is New Year’s Eve.

Today is New Year’s Eve. Usually on this day, I will sit down and start to list what has happened in the year, giving thanks to God for the good things that have happened, and reflecting on the unpleasant experiences as well, seeking God’s voice and message in each experience. Mandarin Congregation Management Committee went through a similar spiritual exercise during our planning retreat in October. I will attach the spiritual exercise (Both English and Mandarin) here (http://tinyurl.com/KYMCReflection2023) so that if you would like to do this exercise today at your own time or as a cell group, you may do so.

“All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.” (Mt 25:32-33)

Today’s Scripture reading is on Matthew 25:31-46 which tells us what will happen when the Son of Man comes in His Glory and sits on His glorious throne. In verse 32 – 33 it says, “32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.” As much as we try our best to evaluate and reflect on our life, God is also evaluating us from his glorious throne. His standards and expectations probably differ from what we expected. Humanly, we look at our successes and failures (both at work and in ministries), our joy and tears, our relationship with one another which are all good. But the Son of Man, in this passage, focuses on how we feed the poor, take care of the sick and needy, and visit them, something that is insignificant in the eyes of the world. My question to all of us is, “Have we done that to the lost, the last and the least in our community today?”
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I pray that when we reflect on our year, may the Lord help us to see our life through His eyes, to feel His Heart, and to strive to do His Will in the coming year ahead. May everyone have a blessed 2024 ahead, a year filled with His purpose and mission to do His will for the world. Amen!