In the 25th chapter of the Biblical book of Matthew, Jesus presents a parable illustrating His Second Coming wherein he separates the righteous from the unrighteous. This parable has been aptly named Sheep and Goats since these animals represent both of the abovelisted groups respectively. In verses 33-40 of this parable, Jesus states the following: He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 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.' "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' "The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.' It is clear that one of the standards which Jesus Christ will judge each of us by is the compassion we've shown to The Least of These. Furthermore, He makes it quite apparent and becomes transparent in His affection and affinity towards them by the use of the phrase".......these brothers and sisters of mine..." Moreover, it is implied that neither negligence nor ignorance will be tolerated as an apt excuse for escaping His righteous judgment. As a matter of fact, Jesus Christ is asserting just the opposite and, that is, these brothers and sisters of His will be quite obvious and prevalent to your sight because they will dwell in all stations of life. No phenomenon has illustrated this more than the economic crisis during the 21st century. According to Biblical scholar, John J. Pilch (1995), the designation 'poor' in the Bible was never purely an economic designation. It is also encompassed by those who lost their importance, authority, influence, and standing in the community. Whether it was your food supply (e.g., Parable of the Lost Coin, Lk. 15:8-10), job (e.g., Parable of the Unemployed, Mt. 20:1-16), or status (e.g., Parable of the Prodigal Son, Lk. 15:11-32).....if you no longer had positive impact and influence amongst the community...you were considered poor. The numerous persons adversely impacted by the current economic recession fall into this category whether they are categorized as: educated (e.g., executives, professors, bankers, teachers, etc.); vocationally skilled (e.g., hairstylists, brick masons, landscapers, electricians, plumbers, etc.); from the 'wrong side' of the tracks (e.g., uneducated, unemployed, illiterate, etc.); and incarcerated. Each of these persons presently falls under Jesus' designation as the least of these. It is for these persons (and their loved ones) that these letters and sermons have been compiled. While walking through the pages of The Least of These, the reader will experience the comforting, uplifting, and transformational Power of the Triune God to heal the wounds of rejection and restore the honor, favor, status, and provision previously lost due to past traumatic events. Due to having walked the road (Heb. 4:15-16) of being despised and rejected by society, a compassionate Jesus Christ not only shows that He understands our pain and heartache, but also lives to intercede (Heb. 7:25) and act on our behalf. Just as He now sits elevated at the right hand of God the Father, the Least of These assures that not only will you be elevated and beloved as holy and blameless in His sight, but that will He open up the Gates of Heaven (Isa. 22:22) and pour out a blessing that you will not have room enough to receive (Mal. 3:10).
About the Author: Born in Jacksonville, FL and raised in Riviera Beach, FL, Dr. Gaffney serves as a professionally certified educator, ordained minister, and leadership consultant & trainer. Specializing in human behavior and leadership development within organizations, Dr. Gaffney introduces transformational leadership practices that results in more effective and healthy work environments. As an educator for over a decade, Dr. Gaffney has served as a certified professional educator in both the states of Florida and Georgia in the areas of Educational Leadership; Exceptional Student Education; and Middle Grades Math. In addition, he works as an adjunct professor at several universities. Also, as a community leader, Dr. Gaffney has served his fellow citizens in the past as a Planning & Zoning Commissioner and President of a local Homeowners Association. As a clergyman for almost two decades, Dr. Gaffney has served as the Overseer and Pastor of Men; Assistant Overseer and Director of the College of Elders; and the Ministers-In-Training (M.I.T.) 2nd year Preparatory Instructor at Changing A Generation (CAG) Full Gospel Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, under the leadership of Senior Pastor, Bishop Paul S. Morton and Co-Pastor, Dr. Debra B. Morton. Elder Gaffney has received the Bachelor of Science degree in Religion from Florida State University; the Master of Arts degree in Religious Studies and History from Union Theological Seminary in New York City; along with the Doctor of Education degree in Organizational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Dr. Gaffney is married to Mrs. Raechelle L. Gaffney, a Social Worker, Educator and Entrepreneur. They are the blessed parents of three lovely daughters (Ashlynn Diane, Morgan Sheray, and Madeleine Grace).