Serving Jesus Unexpectedly
One of the most well known scholars provides insight into the Augustine's understanding of Christ's self identification with the "least of mine" in Matthew 25. This understanding has universal as distinct from specific Christian designation. He further demonstrates how Matthew 25 can be used as a hermeneutical key for interpreting Augustine more broadly. He also focuses on the divine self-emptying of Christ in the Incarnation and its link to Augustine's emphasis on the unity between Christ and the poor.Serving the Lord Unexpectedly
The first thing that Jesus wants to say about His ministry is that he was serving God. It seems to be a simple idea serving unexpectedly, unknowingly and unaware but think about it a minute. What comes to your mind? Doing what you are told? Lowliness? Submissiveness? Compliance? Deference?
Let us look at the three characteristics of serving unexpectedly.
(1) Lowliness:
Serving the Lord means lowliness, serving the Lord with all humility. Lowliness means feeling indebted to all people.
Lowliness says, I am a debtor to the poor , to the unwanted ,to the uncared, to the wise and foolish, to friends and enemies. Lowliness does not think in terms of its rights. It empties itself and takes the form of a true servant.
(2)Tears
Serving the Lord means tears.
Tears can come from physical pain or frustrations or from discouragement or from seeing the struggle of others.
Serving the Lord means getting involved in people's struggles for faith and hope and truth and changing their lives and their perspectives.
(3)Trials
If you are being tried, then hear the word of James, "Count it all joy brothers; when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect; that you may be perfect, and complete; lacking in nothing.
Fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, Christian truth is not just knowledge to be analysed and understood; it is a vision of reality to be savored and enjoyed and be felt by everybody.
In conclusion: Serving unexpectedly according to Matthew means living for what profits the Church.
Share your life. Amen.
| For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' 37 "Then the righteous will answer him, Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' 40 "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' (Matthew25:35-40) |
Lita Madaka is currently a minister of the UPCSA. He has been the Minister of Duff Congregation, in Idutywa,for 14 years. He's been married to Lungie for 16 years and is blessed with two Kids Khanyisile daughter and son Linokhanyo. You will notice that all our names rotate around the Light. (Lita is a member of the MaD committee)
"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord"
