It is such a blessing to know that God gave us his all when he gave us his only begotten son, Jesus Christ. While in his earthly ministry, Jesus taught in parables to teach a moral and/or spiritual lesson. The parable of the sheep and goat is about his second coming and his people. We often think about making it to heaven. We won't make it by leaps and bounds, but by his grace alone. We understand how important it is to be saved. One taken and one left behind is a message not to be taken lightly. It tell us that there is no in between. Either we will be taken to heaven or left behind to an eternal death.
In the natural, sheep and goat mingle together until the shepherd separates them. In this parable, the sheep represent the saved believers and the goat represent the unsaved believers. Now believers in Christ fellowship together in a spiritual kingdom. When we accept Christ as our Savior, we become his people. We study, read, witness, and preach the word of God together. We praise, rejoice and do other things for the advancement of our spiritual growth and for the work of the ministry. Just as sheep and goat have different ways, believers are different in our ways. But we must conform our ways to the way of Christ.
The saved believers were called to the right of the King, which is Christ. They were found doing the good will of God. They gave food to eat and clothes to wear to their neighbor. They even visited the sick. They showed love in the life that they talked about. As God had given them compassion and mercy, they in turn gave the same. The way they treated others is the way Christ would have wanted to be treated. "Verily I say unto, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." They were rewarded not because of the works that they did. It was their genuine love for God that counted and welcomed them into life eternal. He wants our hearts.
The unsaved believer were called to the left of Christ. They did not visit their neighbor in prison nor did they give them clothes. The love of God is what draws us to give to others. The unbelievers received everlasting punishment. Everyday we must ask God to help us that our lives are shaped to please him because we love him. They were called into everlasting punishment.
Believers in Jesus have so much in common in him. Yet there is a fine line when it comes to our faithfulness to him. We are called into this large spiritual family of Christ to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. In the fine line between believers, God knows the heart of every man. Many things change from day to day, but nothing changes who God is.
At his coming, it does not matter how long we have been saved or how much gave to others. God looks at the spirit in which we lived for him. "He that endureth until the end the same shall be saved." This parable enlightens us to consider who we are in the faith. There will come a time when Christ shall return. Which side will you be called to? Continue to live to be found worthy to be the one on the right of Christ. Let us be the one that is taken.
This entire message from Pastor Koromah "One Take and One Left Behind" on our Facebook page. Click follow to help us to keep telling many about the goodness of God. You may contact us at 1pathtojesus@gmail.com.
May God bless you and your families in his spirit, health, and wealth.
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