The Pearl And The Fish
Sunday, September 8
Matthew 13:45-50 (NIV)
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it. Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away. This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
Devoción
Dr. Mark Rutland in his message said that we are the pearls Jesus is talking about in today’s theme scripture. Many of us had thought that Jesus was the pearl. We did not fully understand that, to him, we are very valuable and precious. He gave up everything for us—his glory, power, and position with the Father. He came down and was born as a baby in a manger, the son of a carpenter and his virgin wife.
While he was here, Jesus was misunderstood, persecuted, beaten, and whipped with a cat o' nine tails until he was unrecognizable. All this he endured because he wanted to save us and have a relationship with us. He looked past the shame and only saw the people who would come to him. That is how much he loves us. He became one of us and suffered like us. We are the ones who will be with him in heaven.
Jesus also said that the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the sea and caught all kinds of fish—good and bad. The good ones were kept, and the bad ones were thrown away. In this world, and even in the church, there are all kinds of people. Some are sincere, while others get upset when things change, or are proud of their own accomplishments, as Dr. Rutland pointed out. These are the people who cause trouble and divisions in the church, complaining about every little thing. On the other hand, there are those who genuinely want to help and serve others. Yet, some may appear saved but are only pretending—they are, as Paul said, wolves in sheep's clothing.
When Jesus comes back, he will divide the sheep from the goats—those who belong to him and those who don’t. His angels will cast the wicked into hell, and the righteous will enter heaven. That time is drawing closer. The world is becoming more wicked and perverse by the minute. Now is the time to make sure that you are one of the good ones, that your name is written in the Book of Life. Don’t hold off and wait until it’s too late. Get right with God, and warn others about what is to come, so they too can be saved. No one wants to end up in a place where they will suffer forever. Let’s all get ready to meet him when he comes.
Oración de hoy
Querido Padre Celestial,
You, alone, are the One on whom I build my life. Help me to remember that and always look to You, not others, as my Holy leader. As I see more and more Christians turning from their faith, let me not waiver. Even when I see those I regard as Spiritual leaders falling into sin, let me not be deterred in my walk with You. Help me to use wisdom not to follow their lead, yet, at the same time, lift them in prayer to You that they may be restored to Your family. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Aplíquelo hoy mismo
If there is anyone you have looked to as a spiritual leader who has fallen on the wayside, pray for them daily to be restored to God.
Recursos
- Watch this message, “Are You Ready”, and begin to live and walk as one who has been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb.
- If you need prayer, our team is standing by ready to partner with you. Submit a Prayer Request today.