So, 

When we visited Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania a few years ago on a mission trip, the leaders of the event suggested we do some God Sightings, so that we could report later that evening at the closing worship service what we had seen God doing.

We had driven there with the intent of “making a difference” always a noble goal. We were there helping repair flood ravaged houses, and while we knew God would be with us, the request seemed at first an odd one, suggesting that in some way we hadn’t anticipated, God was already at work in that community!

I mean in a flood ravaged town, where would we see God?

But quickly we learned two really important things. 

One was that looking for God and seeing God is a disaster situation is essential to keep you from falling into the dangerous pit of despair. Houses with water damage up to the first-floor ceilings dark and dank and potentially moldy can be a huge shock to the system.

We met folks who had lost everything. We saw children’s toys scattered around the yard where the flood waters dropped them. 

Our tears were real.

But then, it was as if God removed the scales from our eyes, and we began to see God.
We realized that, in fact, our eyes were badly focused, failing to see God at work in this situation well beyond our expectations.

And as a bonus realized that we should be seeing God in all kinds of everyday lives in situations and in all kinds of people all the time.

We were failing to see Christ, but God wonderfully opened our eyes in that invitation to look for God sightings to see the world through God’s eyes.

And we can do that today, if – we look. Today we can see Christ in each other, and in so many others if we choose. We could even see God in you!

After all, as disciples, followers of Jesus, we are Christ-like, aren’t we?

Our lives, our attitudes, our choices ought to reflect the Lord’s working in us all the time. Especially on Sundays! 

But there is a caveat!

We need to remember some of Jesus’ siblings - our brothers and sisters in Christ - don’t look like us, don’t sound like us, don’t even smell like us.

They may not have houses or even apartments. They might live in a homeless shelter or on the streets.

They may not eat what we eat, or eat at all on a regular basis at all.

They may not be employed, have a college or even a high school education.

They may not come from wonderful stable families that always work to keep them safe.

They may have even spent time in prison. 

They may struggle with emotional illness, and know for sure that the sky is pink and the ocean is red. 

And they may not speak English or even speak at all.

But…

They were made, the scriptures affirms, in the image of God and as such are our siblings in Christ!

Now, have all of them decided to follow Jesus as disciples? No. 

Does that matter? 

As far as their relationship with Jesus goes it matters! They need to work out for themselves and deal with the consequences of that decision.

But as far as our relationship with them goes, it only matters in that we are told to go and make disciples, so we best remember our calling as disciples ourselves and do what we need to do to invite them as welcoming hosts to join us and follow the King of Kings and Lord or Lords. 

But even more importantly, particularly based on today’s teaching by Jesus on that final moment of judgement, we need to care about much more.

We need to be deeply concerned about whether folks who are not necessarily like us are being cared for especially when they cannot for whatever reason, care for themselves.

The reasons could be another’s neglect, poverty, emotional illness, incarceration because they did something illegal, or just because their well has run dry.

Jesus, says the King only cares whether we have fed, given a drink, welcomed, clothed, cared for in times of illness, or visited those persons in prison or elsewise detained.

If we have, we are sheep welcomed to join the eternal flock. 

If not, we are goats and it appears we are invited instead to a BBQ.

Judgment may be a theme that makes you uncomfortable. It probably should!

But the intent of Jesus story really is to remind us that our action – and inaction – has consequences. 

I have shared before that a friend once gave me a hat that said “Jesus is coming, look busy”!

But as Jesus here makes clear, busy is not nearly enough! 

We are to be found busy fulfilling Kingdom priorities! 

Jesus told his disciples to go and make more disciples, baptizing them and teaching them all that he had taught them!

But there is more! 

We are to be found looking, acting and sounding like Jesus himself, caring deeply for creation, including all of humanity.

So, God sightings.

Where in this last week have you seen God at work, in the people around you, in the situations you have encountered, and even in your own life.

Share the wonder. Do be sheepish! Amen.