Jesus then told them this story:
The kingdom of heaven is like what happened when a farmer scattered good seed in a field.25 But while everyone was sleeping, an enemy came and scattered weed seeds in the field and then left.
26 When the plants came up and began to ripen, the farmer’s servants could see the weeds.27 The servants came and asked, “Sir, didn’t you scatter good seed in your field? Where did these weeds come from?”
28 “An enemy did this,” he replied.
His servants then asked, “Do you want us to go out and pull up the weeds?”
29 “No!” he answered. “You might also pull up the wheat.30 Leave the weeds alone until harvest time. Then I’ll tell my workers to gather the weeds and tie them up and burn them. But I’ll have them store the wheat in my barn.” Matthew 13:24-30 (CEV)
So what are the weeds in my life? Jesus said in verse 38 that weeds come from the evil one, Satan. And yet, Jesus said they are not to be pulled up and thrown out until the harvest, until He returns.
So there are going to be weeds growing right beside me in my life. It isn’t my job to judge them and dispose of them. That is Jesus’ job. If I haven’t received and understood that lesson from another one of Jesus’ stories, then here it is again: Do NOT judge others!
It seems that Jesus is telling me to focus on the wheat. Do what encourages the wheat to stand tall and take in the nourishment (Living Water and Living Bread of Christ) which will strengthen the wheat. When the harvest comes, may I be found healthy and ready to be harvested, giving all the glory to the gardener.
When someone brings condemnation to my door or any kind of divisive “weeds,” it is easy for me to draw my sword and strike back at their attack. It is especially hard to refrain when the weeds attack those whom I love or tender, young “wheat.” Deuteronomy 32:35, Romans 12:19, and Hebrews 10:30 all say that vengeance is only for God to do. And God is just and promises to bring justice. And so I sheath my sword back in its scabbard, which means I do not use God’s Word to inflict pain and condemnation on anyone but instead continue to cry out to Father God and learn His principles to refine my life.
Please listen, Lord, and answer my prayer!
I am poor and helpless.
2 Protect me and save me because you are my God.
I am your faithful servant, and I trust you.
3 Be kind to me! I pray to you all day.
4 Make my heart glad! I serve you, and my prayer is sincere.
5 You willingly forgive, and your love is always there for those who pray to you.
6 Please listen, Lord! Answer my prayer for help.
7 When I am in trouble, I pray, knowing you will listen.
8 No other gods are like you; only you work miracles.
9 You created each nation, and they will all bow down to worship and honor you.
10 You perform great wonders because you alone are God.
11 Teach me to follow you, and I will obey your truth.
Always keep me faithful.
12 With all my heart I thank you. I praise you, Lord God. Psalm 86:1-12 (CEV)
The Lord’s Prayer, music by Albert Hay Malotte & sung by Andrea Bocelli
