MYSTERIES REVEALED: The Kingdom Parables

Read Matthew 13.

Jesus taught the parables in Matthew 13 as a means of separating the faithful followers from the false followers.  Those who were saved would have the mysteries of the kingdom revealed to them, while those who were lost would be unable to grasp the teaching (v.10-17).

There is the parable of the soils (v.1-9). This one is explained (v.18-23).  Four types of soil indicate the four responses that people make to the Gospel. Only one soil that produces fruit symbolizes those who have true faith.

There is the parable of the wheat and tares (v.24-30), with the explanation (v.36-43). The course of the age will feature both true believers and false converts within Christendom. Satan will see to it that he infiltrates the church, but in the end the truth is revealed in judgment.

There is the parable of the mustard seed (v.31-32).  The course of Christendom has been one of numerical expansion—from a small beginning of only 120 in the Upper Room, to the millions of those who profess Christianity today.  Yet, the birds are there to remind us that Satan is active in this church.

There is the parable of the leaven (v.33). This continues the theme of a mixture of evil with good in Christendom.  Leaven represents sin in Scripture.  False teaching will eventually permeate the kingdom resulting in a false church at the end of the age.

The last three point to the three great works God will do among three classes of people—Jews, Gentiles, and the church of God (see 1 Cor.10:32).

There is the parable of the hidden treasure (v.44) the pearl of great price (v.45-46), and the dragnet (v.47-52).  The hidden treasure is the nation of Israel. God has made covenant promises to the Jews which He will ultimately fulfill in the end times.  The pearl of great price is the church which Christ has purchased with His blood. The dragnet is the missions movement in the world, as God calls us to fish for men. As in the other parables we see a mixture of the true and false are brought into Christendom, to be separated in the end.

IF GOD SAYS, "NO"

“Go and tell My servant David, ‘Thus says the LORD: “Would you build a house for Me to dwell in?”  (2 Samuel 7:5)

One of the first words children learn is, “No!”  I suppose that is because they hear it often.  They did not like to hear it, but there were many times I had to say it, because “no” was best for them.  Our children may not understand the denial of their desire, but we know more than they do.  So it is there are occasions when our Heavenly Father will say, “No.”  We think our prayer is a good request, and the denial brings disappointment.  How should we respond?  What is God up to?  There are some important lessons for us found in 2 Samuel 7.  God tells David, “No.”

David had been blessed by God.  On one occasion the king is in his palace—gazing around at the beautiful dwelling and responding to God’s goodness by telling the prophet Nathan that he wants to build God a house.  Nathan agreed that this was a wonderful plan. Then God interrupted with, “No.”  (v.1-7)  At this point explanation is not given.  Later, Scripture reveals that it was because of all the blood shed by David as a man of war that made it inappropriate for him to construct a temple for the God of peace.  God is God and we are not.  We cannot demand of Him an explanation—though we may ask, and at times receive an answer.  Fully comprehending the ways of God will be elusive.  It is like trying to explain calculus to a flea for Omniscience to be understood by our finite minds.  There are times we simply rest in His infinite understanding—that is the way of faith.

Is it not true that God wants us to walk by faith and not by sight?  Faith is so vital that God will stop at nothing to develop it in us.  The God who loves us perfectly will do that which is best for us.  Faith responds to His refusal by saying, “My Father knows best,” and submits in childlike trust to His will.

If God closes one door, it is only so He can open another.  If He denies one desire, it is only that He designs something better.  When God does not let David build Him a house, He encourages David by saying He will build him a “house.”  That is, God will establish a dynasty for David—a line of kings that would be unending (v.8-17).  Jesus Christ, the Eternal King, would be a descendant of David.  Ultimately, not only for David, but for each believer, the promises of God are all wrapped up in Jesus Christ.  He is everything.  Jesus is all we need.  Only He can meet the deepest desires we have.  No true fulfillment can be found apart from Him.  Is He enough for us?

David responds to God’s, “No,” with worship (v.18-29).  There is not a hint of bitterness, but only blessing offered to God.  David does not sulk, but submits.  When God denies our request, choosing to answer our prayer in an inexplicable way, it will make us bitter or better, depending on how we respond.  David did not roll on the floor in a temper tantrum, but sat down in reverent submission.  This is the attitude God is wanting.  Is that what you do when God says, “No”?