“He will separate the people one from one another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.” (Matt. 25:32)
Expanded Passage: Matthew 25:31-33
On a trip to South Asia, the airline lost my luggage. All efforts to locate it when I arrived at my destination were fruitless. I still had several days to go before returning home, with important meetings to attend, and all I had with me were a few things in my carry-on bag and the clothes I was wearing. My white shirt soon became embarrassingly dirty. I experienced some anxiety at being separated from my luggage.
A friend recently told me about a much more serious case of separation. An immigrant in the United States was trying desperately to bring his wife and daughter from a country on the other side of the world. Red tape, visa refusals, and other issues led to a great deal of anxiety over their separation.
Even more serious is the separation Jesus spoke about in today’s Scripture. To be separated from one’s possessions is inconvenient. Being separated from loved ones can be extremely painful. But to be separated from God involves eternal consequences.
Sheep are docile and compliant. Goats are independent and even rebellious. When we strike out on our own and leave God out of the picture, we are heading in a dangerous direction. That need not be our story. We can decide now to follow Jesus faithfully as sheep willingly follow their shepherd.
Consider: Am I walking with God or insisting on my own way?
Ron McClung is a retired minister in The Wesleyan Church. He and his wife, Carol, live in Michigan and have two sons, nine grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
© 2024 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
