PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 13:24-30
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Let both grow together until the harvest.” (Matthew 13:30)
Here Jesus is concerned about the wheat being uprooted with the weeds.
But in the first parable it is the presence of the weeds that chokes the wheat.
“Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants.” (Matthew 13:7)
Why let them grow together, if the weeds pose a risk to the wheat as well?
I think this reveals the tension of grace, which makes room for weeds.
Grace is risky, because you are dealing with sinners who still sin.
But the Lord’s concern about uprooting the wheat is greater.
Jesus has deep compassion for the poor, weak and vulnerable (Matthew 11:35-38).
And he warns against causing the little ones to stumble (Matthew 18:6-7).
Yes, we need to be serious about the weeds in our own heart (Matthew 18:8-9).
But don’t crush the bruised reed or smoldering wick in others (Matthew 12:20-21).
I am struck by how much sin and weakness the Lord puts up with because he loves us.
This in contrast to how quick we are to let go of someone we see as wrong or bad.
Grace is risky, but it is also how the Lord chooses to save me, and everyone else.
PRAYER
Lord, help me not to be so quick in rooting out the sin in others, lest I destroy the wheat in the process. Remind me of how gentle and gracious you are with me…
Thinking about being ‘in’ the world but not ‘of’ the world – the sense that we are here as followers of Jesus living among those who do not know him. But even those who profess to know Jesus can get caught up among the weeds and get choked – they become ‘of’ the world – the ways of the world become their ways. I have to be careful! Jesus said to the harvesters: “Let both grow together until the harvest.” It means we are in the mission field. Its not that we can change the weeds, but we can encourage and help the good seeds that are trying to grow – to help them break through and get the nutrients and sunshine they need to be noticed by the harvesters. Lord help me not to get choked myself, but then to also grow alongside others so that we can be strong!
Christ’s work, our living, His Kingdom continues to be under attack form Satan. Satan continues to attack good works. He continues to attack those living for Jesus. But as Christ told us those living for Jesus will be under attack, persecuted, face corruption. But in the name of Jesus we can overcome. He has the power and the glory to do this. He will empower and gather un His own but I must continue to stand up for Jesus.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus
ye soldiers of the cross;
lift high his royal banner,
it must not suffer loss.
From vict’ry unto vict’ry
his army he shall lead
till ev’ry foe is vanquished
and Christ is Lord indeed.