Some say that Matthew 13 is one of Christ Jesus’s 5 great teachings to reveal the secret of Heaven (see vs. 11a). It is done through a series of parables and taught from a seaside or hillside which is the setting so often chosen by Christ for many of His sought after lessons for life. A setting many of us enjoy as we travel about on vacations.
There are a great many lessons to learn from these parables inviting each of us to use all of our 5 senses or entire being to seek Him in the deepest way possible. Despite this there are many who will not hear or understand (vs. 15). They choose a life centered on self and for whatever reason do not invite the Holy Spirit into their lives. In fact many consider themselves righteous (vs. 17) who are not. It is for that reason all (most especially those who teach and preach) must be challenged with the Word of God. Unless a person hears and stands on God’s Word alone any temptation, harassment or persecution no matter how great or small will cause them to fall away from our Savior’s plan.
Each of us needs to understand that the Kingdom of Heaven we seek begins with a personal relationship with God. Once we have that relationship then we understand that our battle is only just begun. A battle with the true enemy of any believer satan himself. For now we live in a mixed kingdom (vs. 30) on earth but one day the final state will be absolute separation between good and evil and those who choose to be tares in a field of wheat turning away from God will find their decisions were poorly made.
THOUGHT FOR TODAY: Heaven’s secret are understood by those on the path of salvation.
DEVOTIONAL VERSE FOR TODAY: Matthew 13:1-52 “the secrets of Heaven”.
PRAYER FOR TODAY: Lord thank you for revealing Heaven to me.
QUESTIONS TO THINK ABOUT:
- What message does each of the parables in Matthew 13 reveal?
- Can you separate sin and the sinner?
- What can you do to seek Christ in the deepest most way possible?
- Why do we need to challenge any in authority with the truth of God’s Word?
*** Gary Jerke *** Is a former S.D. State Representative, author and Life and Liberty News contributor
Read more from Gary at Encouraging Others in Christ
