April 23

Text: Matthew 13:47, 48

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet cast into the sea, and gathering fish of every kind; and when it was filled, they drew it up on the beach; and they sat down, and gathered the good fish into containers, but the bad they threw away.” (NASB)

Unfortunately, we all likely know about the following situation.  (It is too commonly experienced for us to pretend like we do not understand it.)     We are absolutely certain our position is correct.  We are so certain about our correct position that we dare challenge a contradictory ‘”wrong” view.  Then, later, we accidentally learn something that instantly proved that we were mistaken.  Immediately, we feel foolish and wonder why we opened our mouths.  Quickly, we face a dilemma: what do we do?  How do we demonstrate character in this embarrassing situation?

An illustration: People who reject the church declare that a reason for the rejection is the existence of hypocrites in the church.  People who defend the church declare there may be hypocrites in the human institution called “the church,” but there are no hypocrites in God’s kingdom.  Around and around the argument goes with both sides certain, “I am right!”

In the parable, note these things.  (1) The kingdom of heaven is compared to a fishing NET that catches indiscriminately.  (2)  The angels (not people) sort the “catch” at the end of the age (verse 49).  (3) Wicked people will be in the kingdom on earth (verses 49, 50).

Thus a variety of people (including hypocrites) with a variety of motives will be in the kingdom on earth.  The righteous who seek surrender to God refuse to be discouraged by the wicked.

Suggestion for reflection: How discouraged are you by the wicked in the kingdom?  (Read Jude 1:11-21.)