Saturday 23 Jul 2022

July 23: Matthew 13:24-30

Key Verse: Matthew 13:30
Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: first collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.

Devotion:
When things go wrong in our lives we often jump in “with all guns blazing” and do something rash and probably foolish just because we are upset with what has happened. We don’t like to admit we have allowed anything to go wrong especially if we happen to be in charge at the time; but we do have to recognise when things have gone wrong and step back to make changes when the time is right. Making those changes when we find out what has gone wrong may well be too early and may well end up harming things more than if we wait.

Conversely, if we leave things too long, we will end up in a bigger mess and have a harder time sorting out the issues! What we need is a mentor who is willing to offer us the right advice at the right time – when we recognise there is a problem. God is always there for us and will always offer the best advice we can hope for – but we do have to listen to Him!

Jesus told this parable to show the disciples what God is going to do when Christ is going to return; we know this now because we have seen and heard about enough of what Jesus did and will do to recognise what it means. To the people at the time it must have seemed a bit odd talking about leaving weeds in the crops until the end! Those whom were farmers may have had different opinions, but Jesus was telling them there is a right time to do everything.

When you think you have gone too far and cannot find a way out, this is the last moment you should choose to ask God for help! You should have asked for that help way before this, but God is never going to turn you away when you turn to Him to ask for help! Ask and listen, wait for the answer and continue listening. Make sure you are hearing from God and not just your over-reacting mind or heart...

Points to Ponder:
Who do you turn to when you need advice?

Will you include God in that advice tree?