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Sweet Music in Heaven, November 25
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.
Matthew 25:40
.
Christ says to His redeemed people, “Come, ye blessed of my Father,
inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
for I was an hungred, 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” (
Matthew
25:34-36
)....
Prayers, exhortation, and talk are cheap fruits, which are frequently
tied on, but fruits that are manifested in good works, in caring for the
needy, the fatherless, and widows, are genuine fruits, and grow naturally
upon a good tree.... When hearts sympathize with hearts burdened with
discouragement and grief, when the hand dispenses to the needy, when the
naked are clothed, the stranger made welcome to a seat at your fireside and
to a place in your heart, angels are coming very near, and an answering
strain is responded to in heaven. Every act, every deed of justice and mercy
and benevolence, makes sweet music ring in heaven. The Father from His
throne beholds and numbers them with His most precious treasures. “And
they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, when I make up my jewels.” ...
Our heavenly Father lays blessings disguised in our pathway, which
some will not touch for fear they will detract from their enjoyment. Angels
are waiting to see if we embrace opportunities within our reach of doing
good—waiting to see if we will bless others, that they in turn may bless
us. The Lord Himself has made us to differ—some poor, some rich, some
afflicted—that all may have an opportunity to develop a character. The
poor are purposely permitted of God to be thus, that we might be tested
and proved, and develop what is in our hearts
Every merciful act done to the needy, the suffering, is counted as though
it were done to Jesus Himself. When you succor the poor, sympathize with
the afflicted and oppressed, and befriend the orphan, you bring yourselves
into a closer relationship to Jesus
[336]
30
The Review and Herald, April 20, 1886
.
31
Ibid
.
346