May 2: An Enemy Has Done This

“The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way. But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared. So the servants of the owner came and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?’ He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The servants said to him, ‘Do you want us to then go and gather them up?’ But he said, ‘No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest . . .” Matthew 13:24b-30a

Notice that the Sower of good seed accepts no blame for the existence of the tares. He says, “An enemy has done this.” The very fact that He allows the wheat and the tares to grow together until the harvest tells us that we will be surrounded by challenges to our faith until His return. The “wheat” and “tares” obviously represent opposing viewpoints. He allows each of us to realize that we need discernment in preparing for the harvest. Without it, ideas that seem harmless can lead into deadly snares. The wheat and tares appear deceptively similar, but the wisdom to make the distinction is available to everyone who asks (see James 1:5). Beloved, the difference between them is the difference between life and death!

And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.” Luke 22:31-32

Peter was severely tested during the ordeal of Jesus on trial. He was told ahead of time by Jesus of the upcoming test. Nevertheless, he went on to deny Him three times.

And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” So Peter went out and wept bitterly. (Luke 22:61-62)

Our brother Peter fully recognized his failure. His wholehearted repentance and humble return to the Lord demonstrated that he desired to forsake his old ways for good. He knew of the words of the Savior to the woman caught in adultery: “Go and sin no more” (John 8:11). Jesus fully restored Peter (John 21:15-17), enabling him to fulfill the command to "strengthen your brethren." We have all faltered and stumbled. Get up! Return to our compassionate Lord and He will show that restoration is His specialty. There is much to be done…..

Jesus is still on trial. Those whose faith is in the Jesus of Scripture are given a task: strengthen your brethren. Opportunities to do just that come our way every day. If we truly care for those around us, He will help us to see them as He does: potential citizens of heaven!