Powerful
Living
Matthew 13:24-30
In the parable of the tares the seed represents the people of God. These seeds contain life, the life of God. This life is a gift, and as profound and powerful as it is, we need to be ready and available to the Lord for His bidding. There are many lessons contained in this parable:
Lesson One:Satan tries to imitate life. Wherever God plants true believers, Satan comes and plants counterfeit. Satan is not an originator, he is an imitator. (See ll Cor 11:13-16,26) In every church, every ministry, we find these counterfeit "Christians," speaking the language, holding office, serving on committees, and even filling pulpits. Make no mistake about it, in Matthew 7:21-23 Jesus warns us that on the day of Judgement many people will be surprised to discover that they were never saved. Examine yourself, has Jesus changed your life or is He just involvement in the church and religious terminology for you?
Lesson Two:Christians are like seeds in that they are small but very powerful. When these seeds are put into the ground their power is released and the roots go downward while the shoots move upward. A growing tree can send its roots into a foundation of a house and ruin a well built house. Growing plants have been known to overcome obstacles. Perhaps you are the only Christian in your home or office and you feel inadequate and outnumbered. Remember, you share the power of God and He desires to accomplish great things in you and through you (Ephesians 1:17-23; 3:20-21). Make a list of individuals who are in your family, at school or work and begin to minister to them with God's power. Do you realize the great power and potential that is within you?
Lesson Three:
Seeds must be planted before there can be a harvest. Jesus said, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies it remains alone; but if it dies it produces much grain. (John 12:24, see also Matthew 16:24-25) There are many different types of seed, and all flourish in different climates and weather conditions. We have a tendency in our churches to want carbon copy, cookie cutter "seeds". But God delights in variety. God knows just where to plant His seeds so that they will produce the most and best fruit. He scatters his seed according to His perfect plan. Sometimes persecution scatters us to areas that we would never consider otherwise. When Saul was opposing the church he thought he was destroying God's witness, when actually he was extending it. Is there persecution or opposition that the Lord may be using to spread your life in another field? Ask: Am I planted where He wants me? Am I seeking to bear fruit right where I am, or am I complaining and seeking a better place? Am I willing to die to self so that the fruit might come?
