Nations on Trial

In the 25th chapter of Matthew, Christ gives three warning parables. These set forth truths that need to be considered before end-time judgment breaks and prior to His return. We want to consider briefly here the matter of the judgment of nations in verses 31-46. This timing of this event seems to correspond with Joel 3; Isaiah 2:2; 24:21-23; 34:1-6; 66:18; Obadiah 15-17; Zeph 3:8; Hag. 2:7; Zech. 12:2; Psalm 72:11; 86:9; Rev. 15:4 - and more!

"When the Son of man shall come in his glory...then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory. And before him shall be gathered ALL NATIONS" (Verses 31 & 32). From the Hebrew Scriptures referenced above, we learn this takes place in Jerusalem. That this is not a judgment for particular individuals is understood not only from the world "nations" but by its location and the word "brethren" in the phrase "the least of these my brethren." The only third group present there are the "brethren" of the Messiah Who "took not on him the nature of angels but the seed of Abraham" and was born of the Tribe of Judah and in the household of David.

ACCORDING to their treatment of Messiah’s "brethren" during the approximately 2,000 year interim between His advents, will determine whether a nation will continue into the millennial reign of peace and prosperity.

Notice that the five counts upon which they are judged are the basic needs and rights of every human being. That is, (1) to have sufficient food and water ["hungry and thirsty"]; (2) to have shelter ["taken in"]; (3) be clothed ["naked"];(4) have health care ["sick"] and (5) receive justice in our courts ["in prison unjustly"].

Nations who failed the test of supplying these basic needs to God’s people Israel who have lived among them, will be the "goats" who forfeit their right to kingdom rule. How CAN such a government be in God’s Kingdom when they afflict and torture any of their subjects?

Conversely, if a nation’s policy has been to rule with compassion and have bestowed these basic human needs upon the Jewish people, that nation will live in the Kingdom.

No one will have excuse or be able to say God’s judgment is unjust.

The Editor’s "Wrap Up" began with a few words of the spiritual "No more water but fire next time, don’t you see?" Isn’t this the time to anoint our eyes with the eye salve of His Word (Rev. 3:18)?

The song continues, "Let His bosom be your pillow. Hide me, O Rock of Ages, Hide Thou me." The literal "rocks and the mountains" cannot hide us from His wrath which will bring righteousness to the universe, but each of us can personally "abide under the shadow of the Almighty" and "He shall cover with his feathers and under His wings we shall trust..." (Psalm 91).