Insightful Musings on theScriptures
by
Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67
Greetings, dear ones.
It’s 50 degrees. Rain is pounding the roof, and there is presently enough daylight to see the creek that is flowing foamy, fast, and furious. I need to get a ladder to unclog a gutter just over the window at our kitchen sink, as it’s pouring water down the window at that point. But just north of us, all this precipitation is in the form of snow and ice. Lots of problems are resulting.
There are political and spiritual storms raging around us as well. Let’s keep ourselves dry and protected. If not, I’m afraid it all has the potential of washing us downstream.
May the Lord inspire you and bless you today.
Love, Dad/Ray
19 January
Passage: Matthew 13:24-43
Focus: “Let both grow together until the harvest.” Matthew 13:30
You have to admit that there is very little room for misunderstanding of meaning in this story that Jesus tells concerning wheat and the weeds growing together. The first account could have been open to various interpretations, but when the disciples ask Jesus in private to explain the parable, all speculation and wonder is removed. Jesus tells them clearly (in general terms) exactly what is happening in this world, and what is going to happen at the end of it. I believe that no one can legitimately say they believe the Bible who rejects the doctrine of judgment and hell that Jesus so clearly presents in this account. (Read Rev. 19:11-21)
In the preceding parable that presents the sowing of seed in different kinds of soil, the seed represents the Word of God. But in this parable, the seed represents “sons of the kingdom,” or believers who have received and been transformed by the Word. While it is a clear and simple fact that those who are made good must coexist along with those who are evil, there must also be a separation maintained. If a wheat plant becomes too much entangled with weeds, the result will most likely be the same as the seed that was planted among thorns. It is well to remember the Old Testament quote that Paul uses in 2 Corinthians 6:17, 18. “Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”
It is very important to remember who you are and where you’re going. But it’s also good to remember where you’ve come from and where you’re not going. Remember—you used to be a lousy old weed. As you respond to God’s love offer, His grace and power transforms you into wheat. That’s the glory of the Gospel—that weeds can become wheat. And this limited-time opportunity is what you and I have been called to promote and represent.
"Every soul winner believes in hell."