“The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull [the weeds] up?’ “‘No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.’”
Matthew 13:28-30
Grow as Wheat Alongside the Weeds
Daily Devotion – August 5, 2020
Devotion based on Matthew 13:28-30
See series: Devotions
The farmer’s enemy was exceptionally devious. The weeds that he planted in the farmer’s field were a species that looks remarkably similar to wheat while it is growing. In fact, it is only when both plants are mature that you can infallibly tell them apart.
When the farmer’s servants saw the weeds growing in the field, they asked the farmer if he wanted them to go through the field and pull up the weeds. The farmer replied, “No, because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them.” Since the weeds and the wheat at first looked very similar, it was quite likely that the servants, in their zeal to eradicate the weeds, would unwittingly uproot wheat plants also. That would be counterproductive. Much better just to let both the weeds and the wheat grow together until the harvest. Then the harvesters would be able to tell them apart and separate them accurately.
As you look at all the other people who are growing around you in this world, can you tell which of them believe in Jesus and which of them do not? You may be able to judge by a person’s words and actions whether they believe in Jesus. But you cannot know for sure unless you look into their heart. That is something only God can do. Only God knows infallibly who believes in him and who does not.
Thankfully, God has not given us the task of trying to separate believers from unbelievers. That is a job he has reserved for himself, and he will carry it out unerringly on the last day of this world’s existence. In the meantime, our task remains to grow as wheat alongside the weeds in whatever part of the world where God has planted us, confident that God, who alone can read the heart, unfailingly knows those who are his.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, enable me to live my faith in this world, confident that you know those who belong to you. Amen.
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