We use this phrase for so many things. We give directions to a place and say it is on your right-hand side. However, in the Bible, the right hand denotes a place of honor. It denotes doing the correct or “right” thing to get positive results.
Ecclesiastes 10:2 “A wise man’s heart is at his right hand; but a fool’s heart at his left.”
Ephesians 1:20b “and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,”
Psalm 110:1 “A Psalm of David. The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.”
In the section of Matthew 25:34 – 40, Jesus is speaking. He is teaching those who are following Him how to react to their fellow man. He calls those on His right hand, blessed by the Father. He tells them they will inherit the kingdom that has been prepared for them.
Matthew 25:34 “Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:” Then he turns to them and explains.
Matthew 25:35 “For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee a hungered, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”
Those on the right were not selective in their gifts of time, food, provisions, or even spiritual needs. These are the most basic of needs. The real indicator of their love for the Lord, or a desire to please Him, is that they did it for the least! When we are part of the family of God we are to take care of those that need our help. We are to always pray, but real prayer breeds action. People see our love in our actions.
Are you on the right? Do you see the needs of others and act as if it is someone else’s place to help? Are you one of those who feel the government should take care of people and expect people to look elsewhere besides the church for their needs? Where do you draw the line in your giving to others? Do you shun those who are weak, young, feeble, poor, or uneducated? What are your criteria for helping someone? Those Jesus was talking to did not remember doing the things he had said they did. They ask Him where and when did we do these things for you? Jesus was pleased to tell them that when they did it to the least. Who are the least around you? Have you missed opportunities to serve Jesus because of a judgmental attitude? Have you missed an opportunity because you felt you needed to do other things, things that have no eternal value? This is something we all need to think about and we need to examine ourselves to see where we stand.
