Goats and God's "go-getters"

This one came close to the fence, probably hoping for a snack.

Just a block from my home, goats munch in the fenced pasture of an “urban farm.” On a walk the other day, as I paused at the fence to watch them interact, I thought of their use in an end-times prophecy. With tomorrow (December 21) the ancient Mayan supposed calculation of the “end of the world,” it’s appropriate to see just what the Bible has to say.

First, a little background about Bible-time goats. We’re probably more familiar with biblical sheep, such as Psalm 23’s “the Lord is my shepherd,” and John 10’s “I am the good shepherd.” At one time in ancient Israel, goats probably outnumbered sheep. They provided meat, milk, and milk byproducts, like butter and semn used for cooking. Goat hair was woven into fabric. Goatskins became bottles. Goats were even used for sacrifices (Lev. 4:23) and accepted as a “clean” animal. Some goat breeds were white and hornless, making them blend in with sheep in grazing lands. That challenged the shepherd when time came to separate them.

But in Matt. 25:31-46, a prophecy about Jesus’ second coming, He gives goats another role: of representing people bound for eternal punishment. In Matthew 24 Jesus tells of signs of the end: deceivers, wars, famines, earthquakes, persecution, the preaching of the Gospel throughout the world, desecration of the holy place, false Christs, signs in celestial bodies—and then the unmistakable seen-by-all return of Jesus. When? “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son” (Matt. 24:36). I’d say that includes the ancient Mayans.

Then Jesus taught some parables about being ready: the faithful and wise servant (24:43-51), the Ten Virgins with ready lamps (25:1-13), and the investment of “talents” or money (25:30). We’re not to fritter our time and resources away in selfish, empty pursuits, but actively invest the abilities and resources the Lord has entrusted to us.

Following these parables, sheep and goats come on the final stage. Theologians have had hearty interpretive conversations over this passage, but most agree these animals represent the peoples of God-fearing and God-scoffing nations. The Lord separates sheep (true followers of Christ) to His right, the place of honor, eventually to enter His glorious kingdom. That’s because their kind actions toward “the least of the brethren” were done as unto Him. The goats go to the left, then to eternal punishment, for in neglecting others' basic needs, they neglected Him.

Though you don’t find it quoted in Christmas cards or hear it in new holiday choruses, this is really a great passage for Christmas time. That’s when organizations that minister to the poor and disenfranchised do their greatest fund-raising push. Think: Salvation Army red kettle, for one. Or Christian and humanitarian organizations that advocate for the homeless, children and orphans, clean water, victims of sex trafficking, the persecuted, and others. And what do they do? Exactly what the “sheep” are commended for doing: “for I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me” (25:35-36).

In his book The Practice of Godliness (NavPress, 1983, p. 241), Jerry Bridges remarks: "Jesus is teaching in that passage not that doing good deeds earns our admittance to heaven, but that they are necessary and vital evidences that we are bound for heaven."

If your holiday preparations so far have been about what friends and family expect or want, might this passage suggest a change in focus? It’s not too late for the "sheep" tasks done out of love for the Lord Jesus, through personal involvement and financial investment. And don’t worry about a December 21 "deadline." The world will end when God decides.
Consider this prayer by William Stoddard in his devotional First Light (Multnomah, 1990, p. 93). It’s a reflection on Psalm 90, but it’s just as apropos for thinking about end times: “I cannot count the days that remain, but I can make the days that remain count. Let them count under the light of eternity. Let them count as vessels to be filled with grace and emptied in love. Let them count with things that can never be counted or priced or bought or sold. Let them count in loving surrender, obedient service, and cheerful faith. Let them count for You!”