The Kingdom's Currency
OPENING PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, teach us the true currency of Your kingdom. May we value what You value and invest our lives in what truly matters. Amen.
"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats."
Matthew 25:31-33 (NIV)
REFLECT:
In the message, the pastor described the disciples' expectation of a kingdom of power and glory, only to be reminded by Jesus that His kingdom operates on a different currency: love and service. The disciples, like many of us, were tempted to measure success by worldly standards, but Jesus redefined greatness as serving the least of these.
The pastor emphasized that God's kingdom is not about thrones or power but about people. The sheep in Jesus' parable are commended not for their status or achievements but for their acts of kindness and compassion. This challenges us to reconsider what we value and how we invest our time and resources.
Reflect on the foster care crisis highlighted in the message. These children represent the least of these, often overlooked and undervalued by society. The pastor urged us to invest in their lives, seeing them as precious in God's sight and worthy of our love and support.
As you ponder this passage, ask yourself: What is the currency of my life? Am I investing in what truly matters? Let the love of Christ guide you to value people over possessions and service over status.
I WILL STATEMENT:
I will defend the vulnerable with my time or resources. Pathway partners with CarePortal to help meet the needs of those in crisis in our community. Our Foster Care Awareness website (pathwaychurch.com/fostercare) has more info on how you can help.
If you would like to learn more about other ways you can serve, like babysitting, providing temporary respite, what it takes to be a licensed foster family, or helping with food or prayer, Pathway Church will be hosting an informational meeting on August 17, 6:00pm at the Westlink Campus. This is a no pressure meeting to discover how everyone can play a part in supporting families. You can find out more by clicking here.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Gracious God, thank You for showing us the true currency of Your kingdom. Help us to invest our lives in what matters most and to serve others with the love of Christ. Amen.