11/27/2007
Matthew 13:24 - 30 (HCSB)
24He presented another parable to them: “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field. 25But while people were sleeping, his enemy came, sowed weeds among the wheat, and left. 26When the plants sprouted and produced grain, then the weeds also appeared. 27The landowner’s slaves came to him and said, ‘Master, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Then where did the weeds come from?’
28“‘An enemy did this!’ he told them.
“‘So, do you want us to go and gather them up?’ the slaves asked him. 29“‘No,’ he said. ‘When you gather up the weeds, you might also uproot the wheat with them. 30Let both grow together until the harvest. At harvest time I’ll tell the reapers: Gather the weeds first and tie them in bundles to burn them, but store the wheat in my barn.’”
Have you ever wondered why people who clearly despise God seem to prosper? Does it seem unfair that those who have no concern for righteousness do not encounter calamity?
As Jesus moved about with his disciples, he told them many parables. The parables are stories that have a metaphoric meaning. Sometimes they understood and sometimes Jesus had to explain the meaning to them. In this particular parable, we have a farmer who planted a field with good grain but another came and sowed weeds. When the plants began to grow, the weeds and wheat both grew and prospered from the preparation the farmer had done in the soil.
The natural instinct is seen in the slaves (servants) who want to uproot the weeds. This is our instinct too. We naturally believe that the wicked should be immediately punished and removed so that the good can survive, but this is not the answer God gives. Jesus answered that if you uproot the weeds, you will also disturb the roots of the good plants. Some plants are very sensitive to the condition of their roots and very subtle damage to the root can be harmful to the entire plant. Nonetheless, the greater plan of God is to prosper the good and sometimes, that means allowing the bad to prosper as well, for a time.
But look what happens in the end. There will be a time when all will be uprooted. The weeds will be thrown to the fire while the wheat is gathered to God.
Therefore do not be discouraged when you see the ungodly people around you prospering. Just remember that there is a greater purpose at work and in time, you will be rewarded according to your deeds.
Jeff Justus
Cleff Publishing
www.cleffpublishing.com
©2007 Cleff Publishing, all rights reserved.
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