20160201 Good Seeds and Nasty Weeds

Good Seeds and Nasty Weeds

Matthew 13:24-30 NLT Here is another story Jesus told: "The Kingdom of Heaven is like a farmer who planted good seed in his field.  (25)  But that night as the workers slept, his enemy came and planted weeds among the wheat, then slipped away.  (26)  When the crop began to grow and produce grain, the weeds also grew.  (27)  "The farmer's workers went to him and said, 'Sir, the field where you planted that good seed is full of weeds! Where did they come from?'  (28)  "'An enemy has done this!' the farmer exclaimed. "'Should we pull out the weeds?' they asked.  (29)  "'No,' he replied, 'you'll uproot the wheat if you do.  (30)  Let both grow together until the harvest. Then I will tell the harvesters to sort out the weeds, tie them into bundles, and burn them, and to put the wheat in the barn.'"

Later in this chapter Jesus explains much of this passage. Therefore, I’m going to focus on verse 27 and 28. To get a clearer picture it is necessary to show verse 27 in another translation. Matthew 13:27 NKJV So the servants of the owner came and said to him, 'Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?'

There is a question in this verse and though questioning can be good it should be tempered with faith. When we question we must understand that our Father in Heaven is indeed, good. James 1:17 NLT Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.

The servants here seem to be asking, “Are you sure the seed was good?” This bites at asking, “Are you good?” When evil comes into our lives our faith is tested. We begin to ask, “Is God good? If so, then why this evil? Why do children starve? Why are there wars? Why is there suffering? Pain? Sickness? Murder? Cruelty? Selfishness?”

In these times we must hold onto faith that He will indeed work all things to together for our good. Romans 8:28. We must understand there is another player at work in all this, an enemy, the enemy of our souls who has come to do only evil. 1 Peter 5:8 NLT “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” He is a liar and the father of lies. John 8:44.

When the weeds intermingle with the wheat it gives the idea that these weeds are people who feign Christianity and are a part of the church. The thing is we do not recognize them for what they are until the harvest gets closer. We can judge their fruit, but even that at times is difficult to see. 1Corinthians 11:14. Our more urgent matter is to make our own calling and election sure. 2Peter 1:10. We must ask ourselves this, “Have I believed on the Lord Jesus Christ? Am I a child of God and do I live in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Jesus Christ?”

Father in heaven, search our hearts. See if there is any wickedness in us. Show it to us that we might, by the power of Your Holy Spirit confess it and forsake it. If any who pray this prayer are not Your children show it to them and grant the gift of repentance and salvation to them. Let the good seed of the Gospel sprout and grow deep into us making us Yours. And as believers may we live in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In His Holy Name, AMEN!!!