“Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was cast into the sea and caught all kinds of fish. When it was full, the men pulled it ashore. Then they sat down and sorted the good fish into containers but threw the bad away. So will it be at the end of the age: The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous, and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Mathew 13: 47-52
The kingdom of heaven is like a net that was cast into the sea and caught all kinds of fish
This image of the Kingdom of heaven being like a net, feels like an unusual imagery for God’s kingdom. Does the kingdom being like a fishing net mean that in establishing the Kingdom, there will be different kinds of persons who come into the shadow of God’s Word and influence? The Word of God is shared with all without discrimination. This gives every hearer an opportunity to meet God through his Word. This means that a Christian should not be shy, afraid or be reserved in sharing God’s Word with any person. Though our world today guards against proselytism and public religious engagements and show of piety, the Christian needs to be bold to obey the great commission to share the Word of God that he or she has come to know and experienced in their own life. As Christians, may God help us with the grace and courage to share the truth of the kingdom of heaven by sharing God’s Word around us wherever we are.
Judgement will come
As the Kingdom of God catches different kind of fishes and is later on sorted into good and bad fishes, so the Kingdom of God allows everyone in and does the sorting. Judgement is God’s. The judgement and sorting comes later. “Thou shall not judge, so that you will not be judged” (Mathew 7:1). Since judgement will come, it is not my place to condemn others. No self-righteous judgement; no hypocritical judgement; no superficial judgement based on appearance; and no untrue judgement of others. Help me dear Lord not to judge others unfairly and unrighteously.
Fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
A fiery furnace where there is crying and regret is real. There are persons who prefer not to believe that hell exists. This is one quote I could use to convince someone who does not believe that there is a fiery furnace where a person who is not fully on the part of God is thrown into for eternity. Christians must remember that that there is a fiery furnace and it is not a place to go. Rather, we must allow Christ be formed in us, so that it is no longer our own lives that we are living but that of Jesus Christ. Only then can we have the privilege of being with Jesus in eternity.
Holy Fear of God’s Judgement
The holy fear of God’s righteous judgement must move us to fear God and work for our salvation with fear and trembling. I must not engage in Christian activities because I want to please people or in a manner that is simply meant to impress someone. It must be all about what God desires of my life. If I live a life to please people, then I will not be living in the fear of God. I do not want to be thrown into the fiery furnace of hell. Hence, my walk and work with God, my journey with God must be genuine so that I will be found pleasing to Jesus at the final judgement. Amen.
Be discipled in the Kingdom of Heaven
This teaches us that we must submit ourselves to genuine discipleship where the Christian becomes a better disciple and follower of Jesus Christ. Through a journey of discipleship and personal intimacy with God our spiritual life and spiritual maturity grows. Bible classes, Christian fellowship, bible study, personal prayer and personal bible reading must be geared towards becoming like Jesus.
“If you have Jesus, you will be an agent of positive change everywhere you go. Do you reflect this change?” – Pastor E. A. Adeboye
Prayer
Deliver me Lord from mere religious activities that do not contribute to my intimacy with Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Save me Lord from my own self and my own way of thinking which do not yet align with your Word and your Spirit, in Jesus name. Amen.
DISCLAIMER
The OPINION / COLUMN is authored by independent contributors to the National Accord Newspaper. While contributors adhere to our editorial guidelines, they are not employed by the National Accord Newspaper. The perspectives and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author and do not represent the views of the National Accord Newspaper or its staff.
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