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I am reading a book entitled, The Skeletons in God’s Closet by Joshua Ryan Butler. Mr. Butler defines these skeletons as ‘those deep dark issues we’d rather avoid.

In the second section, Mr. Butler sees ‘the surprise of judgment’. One chapter in particular stands out to me. Its title—The Servant at The Center—speaks of our relationship with Jesus. Matthew 25:31-46 comes alive as Mr. Butler speaks of how this passage relates to us. The point that stands out to me is that whenever we minister, we are ministering to Jesus. Sending cards, fixing meals for shut-ins, donating to a food pantry, lifting a person or a family up in prayer, giving a person a ride to a doctor appointment, taking food to a family who has none, comforting a family who has suffered a loss of a loved one- all these are times of ministering to Jesus.

This concept has humbled me. My New International Version Bible reads that we do these things for Jesus. The King James Version states: “Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”

Do we practice this concept without realizing it? Yes, I believe we do. A short while after I read the author’s words, I remembered I had some letters to get to our mailbox. As I came back onto the porch, I noticed our mailman a few houses to the west. I stood at the front door and watched out the window to see if he had anything for us.

In the stack of envelopes was an acknowledgement card with a personal note from a man, who recently lost his wife, and his two children, thanking me for my prayers and the thoughtfulness I had shown them. I almost cried. I felt humbled that they would remember such a small act of kindness I had done during the time of their need.

When we minister to those in need, it doesn’t have to be anything very big. We see people doing acts of kindness all the time. During last Sunday’s service, a young woman stood and gave testimony about having an eight year old relative ask, “Who is Jesus?” The woman explained that Jesus died on the cross to take away our sins. Then, the woman said she wanted to find a children’s Bible to read with this child. Our Christian Education director found one and gave it to her. I believe this CE director knows she ministered to Jesus by this very act.

God leads us to minister to those around us as we walk our spiritual path with Him. Praying for those in need is something we all can do. Financially supporting a ministry, above our tithe, is another avenue of aid to grow God’s kingdom. Sometimes, just listening to someone in need and then praying for that person is yet another way to minister to another soul and to Jesus.

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