Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 The Glorious Coming of our Lord

Scripture Matthew 13:44-52

St. Matthew’s Day

 Key Bible Verse Text
“So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Matthew 13: 49-50)
 

Devotional Text
Matthew 13 consists of several parables that talk about the kingdom of heaven. In the first parable, Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a buried treasure that was found and reburied by a man. He portrays the treasure to be such a joy that to possess the field it is in, the man sells everything he has to purchase the field. Like this, Jesus hopes that we are able to understand that the kingdom of heaven is worth much more than we have. Even though we may have to lose everything to attain the kingdom of heaven, the joy we experience will be unlike anything we have experienced before. The second parable also illustrates this, comparing the kingdom of heaven to a priceless pearl worth all of a merchant’s belongings. Nothing can compare to the kingdom of heaven, and those who understand its worth will be able to put down what hinders them to attain it. 
The third parable compares the kingdom of heaven to a net full of fish of every kind that was brought up to shore and separated. Jesus compares this to the time of judgment when the righteous will be separated from the wicked and the wicked will be thrown into the furnace of fire. Through these parables, Jesus shows that the kingdom of heaven is attainable. However, it will call for sacrifice, and that those who have obeyed the Word will be able to see the kingdom of heaven. Jesus then uplifts the scribes who have become disciples in the kingdom of heaven as they are like the master of his household who brings out treasures that are both new and old. 
Matthew acted as a scribe and disciple for Jesus, and his recognition is given in this passage, likening him to a position of importance since it is through his writing that we are able to receive the Word. Jesus highlights the kingdom of heaven to be a coveted treasure such that those who come across it are willing to sacrifice everything in order to possess it. In order to understand the joy that comes with the kingdom of heaven, we must pursue and strengthen our relationship with God. In Matthew 6:13, Jesus says “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” If we treasure worldly things, our hearts will lay there and not realize pure joy or experience of the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, it is necessary to prioritize the Word and spend time sharpening ourselves to act as a guiding light to others.
 

Prayer
Lord, allow us to become instruments for Your Word and commit our lives to bring glory to Your Name. Help us to prioritize our relationship with You and let go of the hindrances that keep us away from You. 

Thought for the Day
May we attain your wisdom to know right from wrong and live our lives in a way that is pleasing to you.

Esther Mathew
Salem MTC

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