Insightful Musings on the Scriptures

by

Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67

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6 February 2010
Passage: Matthew 25:31-46
Focus: “He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.”  Matthew 25:33.

            While perhaps the most basic of classifications is the one we addressed yesterday, the WISE and the FOOLISH, there are many other comparative descriptions in the teachings of Jesus to help us understand the nature and boundaries of the two kingdoms, that is, the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of Satan.  Here are some (and I’ll list some in my own words): narrow—wide, few—many, good fruit—bad fruit (or no fruit), life—destruction, heavenly happiness—hellish horror, obedient—disobedient, and faithful—unfaithful.  Then in today’s reading we can note a few more: blessed—cursed, right—left, eternal life—eternal punishment, sheep—goats, righteous—unrighteous, and caring—uncaring.
            There is one FACT that is clearly established in this parable that I believe cannot be over-emphasized: THERE ARE ONLY TWO KINGDOMS IN THE UNIVERSE WITH THEIR TWO CORRESPONDING DESTINIES according to Biblical revelation.  This story is one more example of Jesus giving a lot of attention to helping us get our hearts and minds wrapped around this fundamental FACT.
            Therefore, it could be a very good exercise for us to begin and keep adding to a list of various descriptions of these two kingdoms gleaned from our regular Bible reading to provide ourselves with ongoing insight concerning the lines of demarcation separating them.  One of the practical benefits of such critical observation is that it assists us in our clarity of vision and choice-making as to which kingdom is dominant in any given situation and which kingdom we want to cling to or avoid.  There are simply too many people who prove by their fruit to be blurred in their perceptions and loyalties.  Don’t let that happen to you!  This is important stuff.