The Kingdom Amidst Ambiguity: Embracing God's Presence
Notes
Transcript
24 Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like someone who planted good seed in his field.
25 While people were sleeping, an enemy came and planted weeds among the wheat and went away.
26 When the stalks sprouted and bore grain, then the weeds also appeared.
27 “The servants of the landowner came and said to him, ‘Master, didn’t you plant good seed in your field? Then how is it that it has weeds?’
28 “ ‘An enemy has done this,’ he answered. “The servants said to him, ‘Do you want us to go and gather them?’
29 “But the landowner said, ‘No, because if you gather the weeds, you’ll pull up the wheat along with them.
30 Let both grow side by side until the harvest. And at harvesttime I’ll say to the harvesters, “First gather the weeds and tie them together in bundles to be burned. But bring the wheat into my barn.” ’ ”
Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
36 Jesus left the crowds and went into the house. His disciples came to him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.”
37 Jesus replied, “The one who plants the good seed is the Human One.
38 The field is the world. And the good seeds are the followers of the kingdom. But the weeds are the followers of the evil one.
39 The enemy who planted them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the present age. The harvesters are the angels.
40 Just as people gather weeds and burn them in the fire, so it will be at the end of the present age.
41 The Human One will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all things that cause people to fall away and all people who sin.
42 He will throw them into a burning furnace. People there will be weeping and grinding their teeth.
43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in their Father’s kingdom. Those who have ears should hear.”
The Kingdom Amidst Ambiguity: Embracing God's Presence
The Kingdom Amidst Ambiguity: Embracing God's Presence
Ambiguity refers to a state of uncertainty, vagueness, or having multiple possible interpretations or meanings.
I don’t know about you, but I don’t like ambiguity. I don’t want an answer that is vague. I want people to say what they mean or mean what they say.
I remember when I was doing software development when I was in the Air Force. We would get requests for changes or updates to the software. I was challenged with the task of taking those requests and putting them into something understandable for the programming team.
The person who wrote the request would only provide a broad idea of what they wanted. It might be written in a paragraph or two. I would have to take what they wrote and then break it down into small understandable pieces so that the person writing the code for it would understand exactly what was needed.
The last version that I worked on before I retired was a major update because we were going to combine all the individual databases spread out around the world into one. The request was pretty short. By the time I got done with writing the requirements for it, it was a small book. My point was to ensure that there was no ambiguity, no confusion for the person who was writing the code.
The problem with someone or something being ambiguous is that it can lead to confusion or misinterpretation or misunderstanding.
In the context of our text this morning, ambiguity refers to the challenges and uncertainties that believers may encounter in their journey of faith. Embracing God's presence means finding strength and hope in the midst of life's complexities and recognizing that, while we may not have all the answers, we can trust in God's guidance and sovereignty.
I. No Insulation
25 While people were sleeping, an enemy came and planted weeds among the wheat and went away.
26 When the stalks sprouted and bore grain, then the weeds also appeared.
I. No Insulation
I. No Insulation
One of the things I believe we struggle with is the presence of evil in the world. We are not immune to or insulated from evil. It is all around us. We do have to remain vigilant to it’s presence.
I was thinking about the flower beds along the side of the church when I was working on this message. I started with good intentions of having rose bushes to beautify the property. Nature had other plans and the weeds seem to have taken over. I tried beating them bake a month or more ago and only managed to break my ankle in the progress. Hopefully I’ll win the battle eventually!
Jesus said that while the people were sleeping an enemy came and planted weeds among the wheat. The seeds sprouted and grew up with the wheat.
In this parable Jesus illustrates how the enemy (the devil) sows seeds of evil and deception among the wheat (God's children). This signifies that evil and challenges are not absent in God's kingdom, and believers will encounter spiritual opposition in their lives.
We frequently confront the misconception that once we become a part of God's kingdom, our life will be free of problems and trials. The truth, however, is considerably different. As the parable of the wheat and the tares reminds us, we are not immune to the consequences of evil and sin that pervade the world, even in God's kingdom.
When we see wickedness and suffering around us, we may experience moments of confusion and doubt as believers. We could wonder why a loving and powerful God allows such suffering in His realm. It is in these moments that we must confront the harsh reality that life does not exempt us from difficulties merely because we are members of God's family.
Despite these difficulties, we find consolation and comfort in Jesus. During His time on Earth, He, too, faced the challenges and temptations of this life. He, like us, suffered struggle, persecution, and temptation of sin. We learn from His example that being a part of God's kingdom does not protect us from life's difficulties, but rather gives us the courage and hope to face them.
When we experience difficulties, we can look to Christ as our ultimate model of perseverance. He teaches us to be strong in our faith, knowing that He understands our troubles and is willing to walk beside us through each trial. We can draw on His strength in times of weakness, knowing that we are not facing these issues alone.
Additionally, the hope we receive in Christ is not merely wishful thinking or optimism; it is a genuine assurance founded on God's promises. Nothing, according to His Word, can separate us from His love, and He is working all things together for our good (Romans 8:38-39, 28). God shapes and refines us through our trials, strengthening our character and deepening our reliance on Him.
We acquire a realistic perspective on our faith journey by realizing that problems and temptations are unavoidable. We understand that the road ahead will not always be easy, but we remain hopeful that Christ's victory over sin and death will assure our ultimate victory in Him. We handle life's uncertainties not in our own strength, but with the enabling presence of the Holy Spirit guiding and leading us closer to God.
We discover assurance that God is in control when we embrace God's presence in the midst of life's ambiguities. We may face any affliction with confidence if we trust in Christ and His promises, knowing that we are more than conquerors in Him (Romans 8:37). Our faith is refined as we face life's obstacles and uncertainties, becoming ever closer to the heart of our loving Creator, finding strength, hope, and steadfast confidence in His faithful presence with us.
It's essential to acknowledge that even though we belong to God's kingdom, we are not immune to the effects of evil and sin. Difficulties, hardships, and temptations are inevitable, but we can find strength and hope in Christ.
Navigating challenges and trials in faith is an integral aspect of our spiritual journey. As followers of Christ, we are not exempt from facing difficulties and hardships. However, how we respond to these trials can profoundly impact our faith and relationship with God.
Life is full of ups and downs, and as believers, we must come to terms with the fact that trials are a natural part of our existence. When we acknowledge this reality, we free ourselves from unrealistic expectations that faith should shield us from all hardships. Instead, we find comfort in knowing that God understands our struggles and is present with us through every trial.
While trials can be painful, they also present an opportunity for growth and maturity in our faith. James 1:2-4 reminds us that trials produce perseverance and character in us. As we go through challenges, we can draw closer to God, discovering more about His nature and our dependence on Him. These experiences deepen our trust in His sovereignty and goodness.
II. No Isolation Matthew 13:27-29
27 “The servants of the landowner came and said to him, ‘Master, didn’t you plant good seed in your field? Then how is it that it has weeds?’
28 “ ‘An enemy has done this,’ he answered. “The servants said to him, ‘Do you want us to go and gather them?’
29 “But the landowner said, ‘No, because if you gather the weeds, you’ll pull up the wheat along with them.
II. No Isolation
II. No Isolation
Jesus' parable teaches us that good and evil will coexist until the final judgment. We live in a fallen world where believers and non-believers, righteous and unrighteous, will interact. As Christians, we are called to engage with the world while remaining steadfast in our faith.
Living among wheat and tares is a reality that every believer faces while navigating through life's journey. How does this impact our life?
The tale emphasizes that wheat and tares grow together until the harvest. Similarly, we are surrounded in our life by a mix of righteous and unrighteous people, both good and bad, love and hate. It is critical to understand this coexistence in order to avoid being disillusioned or depressed when we see imperfection in others or even within ourselves.
Living among wheat and tares necessitates humility and self-reflection None of us are completely perfect or sin-free. Recognizing our own shortcomings keeps us humble and allows us to provide grace and empathy to others who may be struggling as well. We gain empathy when we recognize that everyone experiences their own set of challenges and temptations.
The parable cautions against hasty judgment since the separation of wheat and tares is deferred until harvest. Similarly, we are urged not to form quick judgments on others. We may not always be able to tell who is genuine and who is not. Our obligation is to show love, kindness, and compassion to all while leaving final judgment to God.
In Matthew 5:13-16 Jesus commanded His followers to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Our presence in the world is intended to be beneficial. We have the opportunity to demonstrate Christ's compassion, forgiveness, and truth to people around us while we live among wheat and tares. Our deeds can point people to the Gospel's message of hope.
We are called to provide grace and love without conditions, just as God's grace is available to everybody. This includes being polite and compassionate to individuals who appear to be "tares." Our love should be inclusive, drawing people closer to Christ rather than driving them away with judgment or condemnation.
We are given the responsibility of connecting with the world and sharing the Gospel as we live among wheat and tares. We can grow seeds of faith in the hearts of others around us through evangelism and discipleship. Through His kindness and mercy, God's Word has the power to transform lives, converting tares into wheat.
Living among wheat and tares can be difficult, especially when evil appears to triumph over good. However, we can take comfort in knowing that God's final judgment will bring justice and separation. The tale foretells of a time when the righteous will be gathered into God's kingdom and evil will be eradicated.
III. No Indefiniteness Matthew 13:30
30 Let both grow side by side until the harvest. And at harvesttime I’ll say to the harvesters, “First gather the weeds and tie them together in bundles to be burned. But bring the wheat into my barn.” ’ ”
As we grasp the meaning of living among wheat and tares, we are confronted with the complexities of a world that combines both good and evil. Accepting God's presence in the midst of these ambiguities helps us to extend grace, love, and compassion to everybody, knowing that the final judgment is solely in God's hands.
In the midst of this coexistence, though, we may experience periods of doubt or bewilderment. During these moments, we must cling to the knowledge that God's ultimate plan for His kingdom is one of purpose and certainty. Our faith journey encourages us to put our trust in His wisdom, knowing that despite life's problems and uncertainties, His harvest and judgment will provide clarity and justice.
With the parable of the wheat and the tares in Matthew 13:30, Jesus exposes the certainty of God's purpose. Let us now go deeper into this important insight, uncovering the meaning of "No Indefiniteness" and how it gives us purpose, hope, and steadfast assurance in God's faithful presence in our lives.
III. No Indefiniteness
III. No Indefiniteness
The concept of "No Indefiniteness" in the parable of the wheat and the tares reminds us that there will come a definite and decisive moment when God will bring about His harvest and judgment. The parable assures us that God's ultimate plan for His kingdom is not uncertain or indefinite; it is purposeful and certain. Let's explore this further:
The parable assures us that there will be a final harvest and judgment. God's kingdom will ultimately prevail, and evil will be separated and dealt with accordingly. This knowledge gives us hope and encourages us to persevere in our faith.
God's judgment is righteous and just. While evil may appear to flourish alongside good, there will come a time of separation when God will make everything right. This should inspire us to seek righteousness and live according to God's Word.
Imagine yourself in a big concert hall, anticipating the start of a much-anticipated performance. The audience is buzzing with excitement and expectation as the orchestra tunes its instruments. The conductor enters the stage and raises the baton, signaling the start of the symphony.
At first, the music is a mix of joyful melodies and solemn harmonies, with each instrument contributing to a dense tapestry of sound. The interaction of notes creates a beautiful yet difficult arrangement, similar to how good and evil live in the universe.
As the symphony develops, some notes begin to stand out, representing moments of triumph and hope. These repeating themes symbolize the certainty of a final harvest and judgment. They serve as a reminder that God's reign will finally triumph, and evil will be separated and dealt with appropriately.
There is a tremendous transition in the middle of this symphonic masterwork. The music builds to a dramatic crescendo, enveloping the entire performance hall in awe-inspiring magnificence. It is the moment of separation, when God's justice triumphs and all is made right.
The symphony reaches its peak, depicting the division of good and evil, with booming timpani and soaring strings. The weight of sin and sorrow is lifted as the triumphant notes echo, replaced by a sense of hope and rejuvenation. This moment serves as a reminder that God's judgment is pure and just, and that He will make everything right in His perfect timing.
As the symphony concludes, the music slows, and the auditorium is filled with a sense of tranquility and resolution. The melodies thread in unison, reflecting the completion of God's purpose. The confidence of God's justice and separation provides tremendous hope and encouragement.
When you leave the concert hall, you take the melody of redemption and the certainty that God's reign will triumph. The symphony has reminded you to seek righteousness and live according to God's Word, knowing that evil will be defeated in the great conclusion of God's plan, and His just authority will reign forever.
The parable of the wheat and the tares tells us that God's justice will prevail, and His separation of good and evil will bring final restoration, just as the symphony's performance inspired persistence and amazement. This knowing offers us hope and motivates us to persevere in our faith, trusting that God's sovereign plan will bring His masterpiece of creation to a triumphant and harmonious end.
Embracing God's promises for the future is an essential aspect of the Christian journey. As believers, our hope is anchored in the assurance that God's Word is true and steadfast, and His promises are unwavering. By embracing these promises they can transform our lives
Throughout the Bible, we encounter numerous promises from God that He has faithfully fulfilled in the past and will continue to fulfill in the future. From the promise of salvation through Jesus Christ to the assurance of His abiding presence with us, God's promises are a testament to His unchanging character and love for His creation.
Life can be filled with uncertainties - unforeseen challenges, unexpected twists, and turns. Embracing God's promises offers us a firm foundation to stand upon amidst the shifting sands of life. When we trust in His Word, we find security, knowing that God's plans for us are good, and He is working all things together for our ultimate good Romans 8:28
28 We know that God works all things together for good for the ones who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose.
In moments of weakness, doubt, or discouragement, God's promises become a source of strength and comfort. When we feel overwhelmed by life's trials, we can turn to His promises as a reminder of His faithfulness and ability to carry us through every circumstance.
Amidst the ambiguity of life, we can find security and guidance in God's unchanging Word. By anchoring ourselves in Scripture, we are better equipped to navigate the challenges and complexities of living in God's kingdom.
The parable of the wheat and the tares provides us with important insights into negotiating the complexity of life as Christ's disciples. We've looked at three major lessons: accepting the coexistence of good and evil, extending grace and love to everyone, and accepting the certainty of God's future promises. We uncover a road map for living out our faith with wisdom, compassion, and unwavering hope as a result of these lessons.
As we travel through a world where wheat and tares coexist, we learn to accept the imperfections and hardships that come with it. Rather of becoming discouraged by the presence of evil, we are urged to approach every circumstance with humility, self-reflection, and the realization that we, too, are in need of God's grace. We establish a community of Christians who extend grace and compassion to one another, expressing Christ's love in a broken world.
Furthermore, the story emphasizes that we are not to judge or separate the wheat from the tares. God will bring about the final harvest and judgment in His perfect wisdom and time. This certainty strengthens our confidence by assuring us that God's justice is righteous and just. We believe in His promises for the future while we wait for His perfect timing, finding stability and hope in His unchanging Word.