Right or Left?

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“He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.”
Matthew 25:33

I couldn’t resist this picture of a dairy goat I saw at the state fair.  She, like all goats, seems inquisitive, playful, full of fun.

But if you look closely at her name tag, it spells “Trouble”! Obviously, her owner did not think she was so cute, but in fact she was full of trouble.

Our verse today speaks of a whole group of people whom God placed on His left hand in the final judgment, that is, the goats. These people were in trouble because they did not recognize Jesus when He came to them in this life needing help. They refused to care for Him as they refused to care for anyone whom God placed in their life.  They lacked compassion even though the Lord had shown them compassion by dying for them.

I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to be in trouble with the goats on the left hand of the Lord. I want to be with the sheep on His right hand.  I want to see in every person, no matter how down trodden, the face of my Lord Jesus.  I want to love as He has first loved me.  I want to be like Jesus.

But unfortunately I am too often callous toward others who interrupt my agenda, my so very precious personal schedule.  I too often go through my day struggling with being like Jesus.  I cannot love as He has first loved me.

Lord Jesus, send your Holy Spirit that I might love as you have loved me.  Please forgive me for ignoring those you send to me.  Open my heart to Your mercy, that I might be one of your lambs, your flock.  Amen.

For I do not want to be a goat! Nope!  And I am not kidding!

Text and Picture Copyright Steve Nickodemus