Matthew 13:47-50 [NIV] | 47 “Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. 48 When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away. 49 This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous 50 and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
As we look around the world, we may be asking ourselves, “Why does God allow all this evil to continue?” It is hard to understand why a God filled with love tolerates the evil and at the same time allows those who entice evil to prosper. We are reminded that earth is not our final destination and that the Prince of the World, is Satan. Sin has entered this world and the final judgment will not take place until Jesus returns. Only then will there be no pain and suffering caused by sin.
The parable of the fishing net deals with the dividing of people much as the parable of the wheat and weeds does. While the parable of the wheat and weeds highlighted the length of time during which good and evil people must coexist, this parable focuses on the final judgment day. As the net catches all kinds of fish, the gospel message will go out to all kinds of people. At the end of the age, the angels will “sort the fish,” separating evil people from righteous. Like the wheat that will be gathered into the barns, the good fish will be put into baskets. We look for the Day when Christ returns to rescue us from evil.
As we live our lives today, we are reminded that God is with us in each step of our journey. He uses our current situations to draw us closer to him and increase our faith. God does not allow sin and suffering to pass by without using it to grow us into stronger disciples. God is fully aware of our situation. “27And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:27-28). We trust in the One who leads us as we live our lives for Christ and share his love with others.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we cry out to you to rescue us for the pains and struggles of the world. We pray each day that your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Whatever situation we may face, use it to strengthen trust in you. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
Action Plan:
Today I will seek God in helping me to understand the current challenges I may be facing.