Matthew 13:47-49 - "The kingdom of heaven is like unto a
net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: which,
when it was filled, they drew up on the beach.., and gathered the good
into vessels, but the bad they cast away. So shall it be in the
consummation of the age."
There is a difference yet a close similarity of this parable mentioned above by Matthew and that of the "Parable of the Tares."
In the latter we understand the impossibility in this present age and
times to separate evil things from good things in the professing Church
of Christ, however in the former there is an inevitable pressure that
draws us towards the discrimination of the judgment seat of Christ.
Matthew
in the above parable gives us this idea of a Net being cast into the
sea. What a mixture and chaotic mass of dead and living things that are
gathered and drawn to shore by a net. Weeds, mud, shells, unwholesome
things as well as those which are good for food, lie together in a
confused pile of heap. This is liken to our professing Church nowadays.
The Church embraces every kinds of characters, good fish amidst a
certain amount of rubbish, and there is no society of men and women
known to earth in which this confused mixture does not include. Jesus
teaches us that when the judgment comes the angels will begin their work
of separation the good from the bad.
The criteria and distinction of separation the good versus the bad is determined by the "service one can render in God's Kingdom."
Jesus wants those who will join task as co-workers in the work of
redemption, those who are living unselfish, and with consecrated lives,
through which His Spirit may work for the highest purpose of Salvation.
Those whom He is going to disregard and reject are the selfish, worldly,
and sense bound natures and who refuses to be the implements and tools
to be used for His Redemptive objectives.
So the
question is to which of these two categories you and me belong? Are you
willing to be identified with Christ in carrying His Cross? Do you
delight in mercy, self sacrifice and promoting His great Commission to
the world? If this is the case then we are looking forward to the
future without fear. However, on the other hand, if we are only
concerned about ourselves or shut up within ourselves with self centered
greed, even though it be the enjoyment of religion, without tears for
men's sorrows, or yearning for their salvation, then we may question
whether it may not be ourselves to be cast away on the rubbish heap and
be discarded with no usefulness....."But I keep under my body,
and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have
preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. (1 Corinthians 9:27)."
Lord
Jesus we confirm your dominion on us; in our life, our soul and body,
we give them all to you. Grant that we may be willingly to consecrate
them to Thee to be used as holy vessels for your redemptive works on
earth.
Amen
Taniela Fonua (AKA) Lapaifonua
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