The Principle of the Parable of the Net

Scripture: Matthew 13:49

"So it will be at the end of the age; the angels will come forth and take out the wicked from among the righteous, 

Insights:  Today’s verse gives us the principle of this parable.  There is a lot one could focus on in regards to this picture, but Jesus zeros in on one specific aspect and that is the separation of the wicked and the righteous.  You will recall from previous parables that during this mysterious church age that both the good and the evil coexist presently under God’s rule and grace.  A time, however, is quickly coming in which this mercy will be turned over to separation and judgment. This verse tells us it will occur at the end of the age.  Now some people have asked, “Why this parable is included if the basic idea of separation is included in the parable of the wheat and the tares?”  There are a couple of reasons: First, it is repeated because the wheat and the tares emphasis was particularly on the co-existence, this emphasizes the separation. Second, it is repeated because the Lord has a compassionate heart and He wants to add one more warning.  The Bible says God has no pleasure in the death of the wicked.  The Bible says that He is not willing that any should perish.  The Bible says that God our Savior will have all men to be saved.  You see, men live in this world imagining themselves to be free, moving about, fulfilling their own desires, going here and going there as they will, with little knowledge that the net of judgment comes closer and closer and closer.  And each time they are touched by the net, they move a little further away. And they're touched again and they move a little further away.  And finally they've moved one time and they've hit it on the other side because it's moving toward the shore and then wildly the person darts for the sea only to be caught again in the same net.  The person is caught because time has come to its foreseen end.  The person is finally dragged on the shore and the last throws of flailing and flipping announce the eternal death of the individual trapped in his/her sin.  Men may not perceive the kingdom, they may not see God moving in the world, but He is moving.  It is for this reason we, as Christ-followers, need to tell people that the net of judgment is quickly going to ensnare all those without Jesus. 

Questions:

1. Have you come to the place where you understand there is a time of separation coming?
2. Have you received Jesus as your Lord and Savior with this knowledge in hand?

Prayer: Father, You are full of compassion and love.  You do not desire that anyone should perish and spend eternity in the lake of fire.  Draw on the heart of those who are lost and let them experience Your grace.  Amen.