Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
Reflect
I have to say, I enjoy weeding. I take great pleasure in the violent act of ripping up weeds by their roots, particularly quack grass. But this parable tells me that I cannot apply my gardening habits to my church or community. I can participate in the work of the Kingdom by strengthening my roots in Christ and staying focused on allowing the fruit of the Spirit to grow in me. But all this takes place in a garden where Jesus is also allowing weeds to grow up right next to me.
Martin Luther stated that “the church cannot be without evil people. Those fanatics who don’t want to tolerate any weeds end up with no wheat either.” Great injustices have been wrought by the Church in the quest to get rid of evil (the Inquisition and various witch hunts being the most well-known). We are not at our best, to put it mildly, when we resort to violently ripping out weeds. And Jesus tells us not to do it.
We may protest at how uncomfortable it is to grow in soil right next to weeds. Indeed, that is part of the enemy’s tactic to annoy, overwhelm, and distract us by evil so that we do not grow up. Jesus allows it to be so until the day of Harvest. Can we patiently endure the season, still growing strong in Him and bearing fruit?
Pastor Melissa
Pray
- Pray through the prayer section in our program.
- Pray for our Congregational Life Pastor, Mike Bartusek and his family.
- Pray for Dave Schneider, our Youth and Worship Pastor and Erin Gibbard, Youth Ministry Associate.
- Pray for Karen Alksne, our Congregational Life Ministry Associate.