The Best of the Portals of Prayer

Read: Matthew 13:24-30 // Psalm 126

“Let both grow together until the harvest.”
Matthew 13:30

Seeds and Weeds

Each year it happens. Our lawn begins to grow as it is watered with the spring rains. We eagerly await the lush green growth. Then the dandelions and crabgrass appear. They have taken root and compete for space with the grass.
In this parable, Jesus speaks of a farmer’s field in which weeds grow along with the good seed. The reference is to the outward appearance of the Church, in which disguised unbelievers are mingled with believers. Rather than pulling out the weeds immediately, the Lord lets both grow together. At the harvest on the Last Day, God will separate the crop from the weeds.
Christians live in a world filled with growing weeds of those who are outside God’s kingdom of grace. They are mixed in with Christians, and we may not be able to distinguish them from those who are growing in their faith.
As God’s people, we may wish to eradicate the “weeds” from the visible Church. But then came mercy that God extended to us in His Son, He extends to all, including unbelievers. He wants them to hear His Word and be saved. We still have time to witness to them about Christ through our words and life before the harvest and judgement.

O Holy Spirit, grant us grace to grow in faith through Your Word, and may faith also grow in the hearts of all. Amen.

September 21, 1994