Monday, April 10, 2023

Visible Church

36 Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples came to him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.” 37 He answered, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. 38 The field is the world, and the good seed is the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, 39 and the enemy who sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. 40 Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, 42 and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.33333

Matthew 13:36-43

We get confused with the visible and invisible church. Unfortunately, the world gets confused too. Unbelievers assume that everyone who associates with the church is the church. That cannot be further from the truth. I hate to say that many who profess Christ do not belong to him. Why is this important to know? It is important because of one word—EXPECTATION!

We expect that the disciples of Christ will follow Christ in walk, talk and thought. When those who are unredeemed associate with the church but refuse to follow Christ, they set a standard they cannot meet. The world looks for good works among those who have not been empowered to do good works.

In this passage, Christ demonstrates that he was aware of this truth. He says that despite the good seeds that have been sown, the enemy will come and sow “weeds” among the good seed. They would grow together, but they have a different outcome. Oh, how sad it is to be among the people of God, to experience his glory up close and personal, but yet not commit to him and miss out on the reward.

PRAYER: Lord, help me to follow you in walk, talk, and thought. Empower me through your Spirit to do good works. My desire is to be totally committed to you. I want my life to be a sweet smelling savor to your nostrils. In the name of Jesus, I pray and give you thanks. Amen