The Parable of the Net
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was
cast into the sea, and gathered every kind of fish: Which,
when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into
vessels, but cast the bad away. So shall it be at the end of the world: the
angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, And shall
cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of
teeth Jesus said, Have you understood all these things? They said, Yea, Lord.
Matthew 13:47-51
The US Department
of Homeland security maintains a “No Fly List”, which is a list of people not
permitted to board commercial flights to travel in the United States. When business
expenses exceed income the manager knows he made a net loss. If he continues to incur losses at some point he will become bankrupt, and get on to the much dreaded no credit (bankruptcy) list. When we say a
person has been black listed it can be of significant embarrassment to the
individual. One suffers a loss of credibility and goodwill.
In
the eyes of the world we all know and understand when one who has been black
listed, no fly listed, or no credit (bankrupt) listed. Sometimes we feel
compassion towards these who due to unforeseen circumstances like a
sickness, death or just because they belong to a race, religion, or country are greatly
disadvantaged. But most cases we are willing to go to any lengths to stay clear
and good, even to go to any extent to stay off these lists or even associate
with these people.
When we see those who very openly
oppose the gospel today, how do we make them see the light of the gospel?
Does
this parable mean that the Kingdom of God is only limited to the scope of those
who were caught in the net. Don’t we hear the
wails and cries of the people on judgment day who will scream aren’t we all saved? Will Christ have compassion on them like he did with the thief on the cross? When
things go wrong is there something that evil at work? Why does God allow evil
or Satan to exist? What do we fear more the grace of God or the judgment of
God?
Pray we may all be found in the good
list.
In
the last day Jesus said, the separation of the good from the bad is going to a
happen. It is not we who will separate the good from the bad, but the angels or
God in his infinite wisdom. To some this parable could be an encouragement that
they are on the right track, to others a warning to turn back and follow
Christ.
Just
like none of us is privy to the list we can only point in the direction of the
good list and say what one has to do to be on that list. We can only let our little
lights shine today and for the rest of eternity. After all we are only a mere
reflection of the fountain of light. Lord we simply accept you and turn towards
your light so that we may see clearly the way you have set for us.
We
trust in your mercy and grace, and claim the free gift of eternal life which is given to all who
believe in you. Just as you forgave the thief on the cross, knowing that he
turned out of fear of death, please remember us when you come into your
Kingdom. For we know your grace does not depend on anything we have done, but completely
and entirely on your death and final victory over death through your
resurrection.
5 comments:
Jesus used parables that were difficult to understand, even for the disciples who later came to him and asked him to enlighten them on what he meant to say. This is probably one of those really harsh and difficult to swallow parable.
And the disciples came and asked Jesus, Why do you speak to people in parables? He answered and said, Because it is given for you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. For whoever has, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever has not, from him shall be taken away even that he has. Therefore I speak to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which says, By hearing you shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing you shall see, and shall not perceive: For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. For verily I say to you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which you see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which you hear, and have not heard them. Matthew 13:10-17
I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. Rom 7:15
Paul is saying that whatever we do we cannot be perfect. Let us not be disheartened when we fall, but always trust in the grace of God that covers all our sins. Lord your grace is sufficient for me (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Lord help us to understand your teachings which we find difficult to understand. Amen
Lent is a time we spend searching our hearts, minds and thoughts. We seek transparency and search for the barren places in our hearts. We examine our own weaknesses and temptations. We listen to the still small voice calling us to repent.
The road to hell starts on earth when we consciously reject the purpose for which God created us on earth. We decide to block God out of all we want to do. We live life according to our own laws. This stream of intentions and actions slowly consume our hearts and isolate us from God.
But to those who like Mahatma Gandhi who said "Oh, I don't reject Christ. I love Christ. It's just that so many of you Christians are so unlike Christ." It is not for me to judge him the burden is on God.
I find it easier to be a follower of Christ and let nothing or no one come between Christ and me.
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