This verse has always intrigued me, especially since I am an ordained Southern Baptist minister. This verse and the ones around it scream “compassion”. I love that and it saddens me at the same time. The realization that in this broken, fallen world there are so many lives suffering physically, emotionally, socially, and financially is heart wrenching to me. I know a lot of good people who just can’t deal with the burden. Good hearted people who don’t believe in God struggle the most. They cannot see a sovereign hand and a sin-soaked planet in the story. I struggle with that myself. If I were God, I would not let children suffer. That does not make for a solution; as a matter of fact, with a nod toward God’s sovereign and compassionate love, I’m sure it’s not. Therefore, Solomon’s exhortation of acts of understanding and compassion for the suffering is a very welcome view for those of us to follow the heart of our Creator and Sustainer King. Today, when you see someone hurting, be a hand and voice for peace and love. You never reflect your Savior more than in these acts.
“Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’” Matthew 25:37-40 NASB
