Engaging in God’s Heart for the Nations: 30-Day DevotionalSample

The Least – Day 18

Peggy Emard (post-mortem), Former OMS Corporate Secretary

Matthew 25:40 (ESV)

“And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’”

You see him on street corners and curbs throughout your city. He usually holds a cardboard sign asking for money or food. His clothes are often dirty and torn. If you offer him a ride to a shelter, he refuses. Sometimes, his speech is slurred. It’s easy to judge him, fear him, or think he’s a fake.

In Matthew 25:40, Jesus uses the term “the least of these” to describe thousands of people, such as the man described above. Jesus does not mean they are less valuable, less important, or less significant. Jesus says that whatever we do for one of the least, we do for him.

Missionaries have a specific calling to serve others vocationally. These words in Matthew, however, urge all Christians to be missionary-like. Your mission field is your community, your work, and wherever you are. You are the face of Jesus to other people.

Father God, we thank you for showering us with love. We pray for your prompt to share your love with others. Thank you for guiding us. In your son’s name, amen.