April 24, 2023

Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, “First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.” Matthew 13:30

The Lord’s parable of the wheat and the tares is rich with lessons. It corrects the false idea that those who reject His offer of salvation are “left behind” on the earth for seven years and given a second chance. There is no mention of any such seven-year, second-chance period in all of Scripture. According to Jesus, at the time of harvest, the unsaved are actually gathered first.

The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness. v.41 (see also Luke 17:37)

Those who are “left” are left standing (see Revelation 6:17), not “left behind”. And to these survivors, the LORD says: “Only with your eyes shall you look, And see the reward of the wicked.” (Psalm 91:8)

There is a wonderful lesson in humility to be found in the parable of the wheat and the tares. It is true that as they are beginning to grow, they appear nearly identical. But over time, the difference is marked. The wheat represents those who have followed Jesus. As a result, they have borne fruit in their lives. The “weight” of this fruit has them bowed in humility and thanksgiving for the privilege of being included and having a role as a citizen of God’s kingdom. In stark contrast, the tares bear no fruit at all. They are standing proudly erect and are perfectly in place for the reaper’s scythe. The fruit-bearing wheat is passed over by the scythe.

…let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy because you defend them; Let those also who love Your name Be joyful in You. For You, O LORD, will bless the righteous; With favor You will surround him as with a shield. Psalm 5:11-12