Women and JusticeSample

As we finish this series of devotionals, I want to remember the reason of our salvation. The Lord Jesus, when He was about to ascend to heaven, gave His disciples the mission to make disciples of all the nations. I am convinced that He expects us to apply ourselves, not only to teach individuals, but entire nations to walk in justice. The church must create strategic plans keeping that goal in mind. Also, the church should consider that the gospel must be demonstrated, not only proclaimed. The world needs to see how to practically live out the justice of God.

Matthew 25 tells us about the judgment of the nations, when they will be separated into two groups: the sheep, at the right hand, and the goats at the left. Christ will invite those at the right to enter into their heavenly inheritance. Jesus was not timid or obscure at mentioning the reasons why He was letting them into eternal life: “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, I needed clothes and you clothed me…” in short, you saw me vulnerable and destitute and you restored me. The Scripture continues saying that “the righteous” will ask Him when did they saw Him in such conditions. The King will answer “whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.”

Something impactful to me is that the group on the left hand, the condemned, asks the exact same question: “Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?”. Such questions allow us to presume that this group assumed that they were just fine, that Jesus must be confused. They manifest their surprise calling Him “Lord”, and showing that maybe they were just too mystical. For them God was in the temple, in heaven, in some ethereal form—it never occurred to them that He could be in their neighborhood. Maybe for them to serve God was only done in the “spiritual” sense, and not actions to help people in need.

This passage can seem confusing. We may even wonder “does not the Bible teach that salvation is by faith?” Absolutely!

Salvation is an undeserved gift of God… but, saved people… do justice.

The church must return to care for the vulnerable and walk in the works that Christ has already prepared for her. He is waiting for a well-dressed bride, one that is truly ready for the wedding.

Reflect:

• Currently, what could be a gift of glory that your nation can present to the King in the consummation of time?
• In which areas does your nation need to be discipled so her society can be more just and compassionate?

Pray: Father, today I want to ask for the church scattered in the world. Would you please awaken us and help us to set our eyes on the vulnerable. May we walk in the works that you have prepared for us. We want to be found dressed in those righteous acts. May we be able to show the world the beauty of a life lived for the blessing of others. Please, give wisdom to the Church, so strategies for the discipleship of whole nations, and not only of individuals can emerge. I want to see many nations presenting you their glory in that last day, my King. Amen

This devotional was written by a friend and partner of the Global Church Movement: Marcela Allen serves, along with her husband Trey and four children, as a missionary with Antioch Ministries International in Guayaquil, Ecuador. There she also promotes God’s heart for vulnerable children in the local church. Marcela loves animals, especially her schnauzer Daisy and her tuxedo cat Toast.