Friday 31 Mar 2017

March 31: Matthew 13:44-52

Key Verse: Matthew 13:49
So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just,

Devotion:
How long has it been since you heard about an ancient treasure of some kind being found in a seemingly unimportant place? It was not too long ago someone found a stash of Roman coins in a ploughed field here in England. How many people went past that field each day and took no notice? How many people probably scoffed at the man who was walking up and down the field with his metal detector? How many people changed their mind after they heard the great news – after it was too late?

How many times have you been deceived by something that looked good and seemed a good price, but when you got it home you realised it was not quite as good as it looked in the sale? How many are willing to give up everything they have to buy the perfect pearl knowing it is priceless on the market?

There is coming a time when like the third parable here, the net will be cast out to catch the final catch. When that happens, only the worthy who are caught will be kept with so many being cast away; but when that happens here on earth they are not going to be left to get back to their lives peaceably on earth but will face tribulations and then face the damnation of hell.

Jesus tried to explain the implications to those who were listening in simple terms. He tried to show people the consequences of not believing in terms they may understand. Yet we do each choose our own destiny by what we believe. We can either continue to believe in ourselves and face being cast away, or believe in Christ and know that we are going to a better place, a perfect place for all eternity.

Each day we read from the gospel we read about things from the past, both new and old testament, things that are good and wholesome, things which God wants us to know because He wants us to know the truth and share it with others; just as a householder will take things which are fresh and others to make wonderful meals for visitors...

Points to Ponder:
Have you always been able to choose the right things?

With all the truth before you, will you choose the right things?