OzThoughts Monday 2nd March 2009.

OzThoughts Monday 2nd March 2009.

(Please forward this OzThoughts to your friends).

In the past few weeks you probably have received, as I have, wonderful pictures of koalas seeking water from people. One such koala has been called Sam. Keith, a friend in England sent me some follow up pictures where the firefighter is reunited after some time with the still recovering Sam. It is a wonderful picture of a beautiful relationship.

I said to Keith that maybe the impact of these pictures is lost on people overseas. I don't think non-Australians would know how amazing these pictures really are.

Firstly, koalas don't normally drink. They get the moisture they need from the leaves they eat. Secondly, these are wild animals. They would usually run from people and escape up the nearest tree. If cornered they will scratch and bite to defend themselves. They are not as cute and cuddly as they look unless they are trained animals used to human handling in zoo.

I received another email which told of a whale rescue. The rescuers took time to cut a whale free from ropes and nets which were holding it and soon would kill it. After it was released the whale went to each of the divers as if to individually thank them. What a response to an act of caring. (If you would like to see these emails, please send a note to: OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au).
Today’s reading from Matthew is about caring. In fact is about the result of caring. It is also about the result of not caring. Jesus says the result is eternal! Caring also builds relationships which may have eternal consequences for the one cared for.
Matthew 25:31-46 (The Message)
31-33"When he finally arrives, blazing in beauty and all his angels with him, the Son of Man will take his place on his glorious throne. Then all the nations will be arranged before him and he will sort the people out, much as a shepherd sorts out sheep and goats, putting sheep to his right and goats to his left.
34-36"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Enter, you who are blessed by my Father! Take what's coming to you in this kingdom. It's been ready for you since the world's foundation. And here's why:

I was hungry and you fed me,
I was thirsty and you gave me a drink,
I was homeless and you gave me a room,
I was shivering and you gave me clothes,
I was sick and you stopped to visit,
I was in prison and you came to me.'
37-40"Then those 'sheep' are going to say, 'Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry and feed you, thirsty and give you a drink? And when did we ever see you sick or in prison and come to you?' Then the King will say, 'I'm telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.'
41-43"Then he will turn to the 'goats,' the ones on his left, and say, 'Get out, worthless goats! You're good for nothing but the fires of hell. And why? Because—

I was hungry and you gave me no meal,
I was thirsty and you gave me no drink,
I was homeless and you gave me no bed,
I was shivering and you gave me no clothes,
Sick and in prison, and you never visited.'
44"Then those 'goats' are going to say, 'Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or homeless or shivering or sick or in prison and didn't help?'
45"He will answer them, 'I'm telling the solemn truth: Whenever you failed to do one of these things to someone who was being overlooked or ignored, that was me—you failed to do it to me.'
46"Then those 'goats' will be herded to their eternal doom, but the 'sheep' to their eternal reward."
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/songs/songs_069.mp3 ]

How can I better serve thee, Lord,
Thou who hast done so much for me?
Faltering and weak my labor has been;
O that my life may tell for thee!

Chorus
Here at the cross in this sacred hour,
Here at the source of reviving power,
Helpless indeed, I come with my need;
Lord, for thy service, fit me I plead.

Dull are my ears to hear thy voice,
Slow are my hands to work for thee,
Loath are my feet to conquer the steeps
That lead me to my Calvary.

Strength for my weakness, Lord, impart;
Sight for my blindness give to me;
Faith for my doubtings, Lord, I would crave,
That I may serve thee worthily.
Author: Bramwell Coles (1887-1960)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 488

[ In preparation for Easter read a Christian book during Lent which is now. ]


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