Kingdom Parables - Certain Judgment (Daily Devotional)

Shalom, it is a lovely opportunity to come once again to learn and look into God’s word together with you. Through this week, we have been looking at kingdom parables- parables that Jesus taught about the kingdom of God. We are looking into a few of the parables to understand spiritual truths about the kingdom of God. We also did make a mention about how Jesus used regular articles and imageries, things that was used in their culture for us to learn. It is as important for us to understand that as well. Today, we are going to be looking at the parable of the net and this parable is again one that was taught by Jesus that did illustrate the final judgement. We read this in Mathew chapter 13, verses 49 to 50, ‘So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just, and cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.’ This parable talks about the kingdom of God being like a net that is cast into the sea which gathers all kinds of fish, both good and bad. Once it is full, the net is drawn ashore and the good fish are separated from the bad fish and the bad fish are thrown away. Jesus explains that this represents the end of the age when angels will separate the righteous from the wicked. Just as a net is cast into the sea and gathers a variety of fish, the gospel message is proclaimed to the world drawing people of all walks of life. Just as the net collects both valuable as well as worthless fish, the gospel attracts all-some who may have no intention of truly following Christ or repenting. This realm contains a mixture of those who profess to belong to the kingdom of God but in their hearts do not truly follow God. Just as the fish are not sorted until the net is brought to the shore, the distinction between genuine people who follow God and false followers will only be revealed at the end of the age, at the time of judgement. So, what do we learn from this? Just as the net gatherers gathered all kinds of fish, the gospel reaches people from every background. The message of salvation is offered to everyone. The net holds both good as well as bad fish. Similarly, there are both true believers and those who may only appear to follow Christ but don’t believe. The sorting of this fish reflects the final judgement that God will separate the righteous from the wicked. God is just and so no one can hide their spiritual condition from Him. The parable reminds us that God’s invitation is open to all but only those who follow Christ will enter into His eternal kingdom. This is a call for us to examine our hearts, share the gospel with others and live with that readiness for the day when God will make all things clear. Let’s pray together, Heavenly Father, we pray that you will prepare our hearts. Even as we stand here examining your hearts, may we be true followers of you. May we give our hearts, surrender our lives to you so that we would be with you in your eternal kingdom. Even as you have given us the responsibility to spread your word to others, may we do it with the power of the Holy Spirit, in Jesus’ name we pray, Amen. Thank you for tuning in to Living Supernaturally, for more resources to strengthen your spiritual walk, please visit apcwo.org.