Why Growth is not Enough

S - Matthew 13:36-43 (NRSV): "Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples approached him, saying, "Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field." He answered, "The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man; the field is the world, and the good seed are the children of the kingdom; the weeds are the children of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. Just as the weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all evildoers, and they will throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Let anyone with ears listen!"

O - Weeds and wheat growing together and from a distance looking very much alike. Closer examination reveals the true nature of each long before harvest comes. Nevertheless, both grow and share a similar appearance. They will both be gathered but not share a similar conclusion. One grows and will never yield anything for harvest while the other grows and will produce geometrically. Both will be gathered at harvest, one for fire and the other for the barn. One will end in weeping and gnashing of teeth while the other will become increasingly radiant in the kingdom which will never end.

A - The Lord Jesus requires me to recognize that there is a difference between things that grow … and everything that grows will not be honored by him. My assignment is to accept the fact that:
1. The Lord is allowing both to grow.
2. Bearing a harvest, not weeding the field, is my assignment.
3. What is a lamp shining now will become awesomely radiant at harvest.
4. He is purposeful in everything he causes and in everything he allows.

P - Lord of the Harvest,
Thank you for today and for your word … living, active and powerful. Thank you that everything in your kingdom lives … living words, living sacrifices, living stones and living water … for you are the living God. Lord, let my life be harvestable … productive beyond what has been sown. Let real life mark me, flow into me and flow out of me for the sake of the Name. I do throw open the doors of my heart to you and welcome you and whatever you choose to do in me and through me. I admit again that I am yours by right and that you have dignified my life so that I also can, and do, choose you back. Shepherd me, let the violent advance of your irrepressible life and kingdom touch me, lift me, change me, carry fully to the intent and design you desire. Let me stay under the shadow and weight of a daily cross unto daily resurrection reality.
Steve