Daily Scripture Reading: Matthew 13:47-49 KJV
Matthew 13:47-49 KJV
(47) Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind:
(48) Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away.
(49) So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just,
Today’s Devotional Is OUR ETERNAL DESTINY
This parable is very different from the one about the tares. However, there are similarities. The latter teaches us that in the current age it is impossible to distinguish the good from the bad in the Church of Christ. While the former shows that we all are being drawn towards the judgement-seat of Christ with an inexorable pressure.
It is a confusing mass of living and dead things that are brought together by a net. Unwholesome items as well as good food are thrown together in a chaotic heap. The Church is the same. It encompasses all kinds of character, good fish amongst a certain amount rubbish, and there are no societies in which this mix does not exist. Our Lord teaches us that the angels will start their separation work when the vast net of the Gospel dispensation is drawn in to eternity.
What we do for God’s Kingdom determines what distinguishes the good from the bad. He seeks those who will cooperate with Him in the work to redeem, who live unselfishly and consecrated lives through which His Spirit can work for the highest purposes. He does not want to see the worldly, selfish or sense-bound people who refuse to serve His redemptive purposes.
Which of these two groups do you belong to? Do we want to be identified as Christ in His Cross? Are we open to mercy, self-sacrifice and holy service? If we do, we can anticipate the future with no fear. If, on the contrary, we feel trapped within ourselves, even if it’s the enjoyment of religion without crying for men’s pains or yearning to their salvation, it might be time for us to question whether it is not our fate to be thrown away on the trash heap (1Co_9;27).
PRAYER for Today
We acknowledge Thy control over us, O Lord; our body, soul, and life all belong to Thee. We ask that they may be consecrated to Thee and used in Thy service. AMEN.