You know, I’m so thankful God redeemed my life, and because I know me, I’m certain He can change anyone! I’m reminded of that again today.

And, I never intended to camp out in Matthew as long as I have. This is day 77 and I’m only in chapter 13!

It’s just that the Word is so rich and when I pray, and slow down, the Lord helps me see more and more.

I don’t want the familiarity of these parables to cause me to breeze past them. I don’t want to miss what the Living Word has to say to my heart in this moment.

As I read the parable of the wheat and tares (Matt 13:24-30) my commentary points out, the tares are a poisonous plant that look just like the wheat until the final fruit appears.

It is clear from this parable, that God allows the enemy to plant evil among His people and those who are evil may not be recognized until harvest time.

But there will absolutely be a harvest time. There will be a separation of wheat from tares and the tares will be burned.

But why does God wait? Why does He allow evil to grow alongside His children?

In all honesty, I don’t know.

I’ve even prayed and asked the Lord to remove those I deemed evil (like smote them) if they aren’t going to come to know Him.

That prayer felt kind of “spiritual” but the truth is, how can I know whose life will turn out for good and whose will turn out for evil?

I would have certainly removed the Apostle Paul had I been in charge before he met the Lord on the road to Damascus.

The thing is, only God knows. He is the Redeemer and Righteous Judge.

I’m so thankful He redeemed my life, and because I do know me,and the ugly sin that has been in my heart, I’m certain He can change anyone!

Anyone!

I’m also certain that there will be a day evil is judged and will be forever defeated.

Jesus tells us, “The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” (Matt 13:41-43)

Oh God, give us ears to hear You, hearts to adore You, and feet to follow You all the way home.

Help us to trust that You will do all You say You will do and help us to live with grateful hearts reverentially fearing You alone.

readMatthew

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