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Parables of Separation
August 16, 2024
Hey Clawson Family,
Song:
Scripture:
Matthew 13:36-43 New International Version
The Parable of the Weeds Explained
36 Then he left the crowd and went into the house. His disciples came to him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.”
37 He answered, “The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man.38 The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the people of the kingdom. The weeds are the people of the evil one, 39 and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels.
40 “As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. 42 They will throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let them hear.
Matthew 13:47-50 New International Version
The Parable of the Net
47 “Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. 48 When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away. 49 This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous 50 and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Devotional:
In our culture, we hear that we need to be open-minded and be more tolerant. Everyone has be included—no one left out. These ideas are based on some principles of God’s kingdom. But other kingdom principles, such as God’s judgment of sin and evil, are often left out.
Jesus’ parables include stories about the Lord separating weeds from wheat at the final judgment, and about a net from which edible fish are separated from fish that cannot be eaten.
Jesus’ parables emphasize limitless grace, but they also highlight God’s limitless demand. Few things are more important than our perception of God. If God is a seeking, caring God, then we should imitate his grace both for ourselves and in our treatment of other people. But we must also recognize and proclaim a coming judgment, when good and evil will be eternally separated. Although we are saved by sheer grace (as Martin Luther rediscovered before sparking a reformation), grace is never cheap.
The kingdom is like the process of net fishing or wheat farming that, in the end, calls for separation. And the Lord is the one in charge of judgment.
But the upcoming judgment teaches us to put aside selfish pleasures and choose to do what pleases God and has eternal value. By grace and in God’s strength, we can do this.
Journal
In your journal read the passage above and write down what the Lord is speaking to you about these parables. How does understanding there will be a separation effect your lifestyle?
Training:
Heavenly Father,
Guide me to commit daily to live for you. And may my lives promote commitment to our faithful Savior. Please protect me, Lord, from ever becoming unfaithful to all that You have taught me. Whatever situations and events I will go through in my life, I will remain totally and fully committed to You. Use me to spread the testimony of You and Your love.
In Jesus’ name. Amen
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