March 16

Our Eternal Destiny

Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was cast into the sea and caught all kinds of fish. When it was full, the men pulled it ashore. Then they sat down and sorted the good fish into containers, but threw the bad away. So will it be at the end of the age: The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous, — Matt 13:47-49 BSB

There is a contrast, yet a similarity, between this parable and that of the tares. In the parable of the tares, we learn that in this present age, it’s impossible to separate the evil from the good within the professing Church of Christ. In the parable of the net, we see that there is an inevitable pressure, and we are all being drawn toward the judgment seat of Christ, where final discrimination will take place.

Consider what is brought to shore by a fishing net—a confused mix of dead and living things. Seaweed, mud, shells, and other unwholesome items are piled up alongside good fish. So it is with the professing Church, a mixture of all kinds of characters—good fish among a lot of debris. There is no group of people where this mixture does not exist. Our Lord teaches us that when the great net of the Gospel dispensation is finally pulled to the shores of eternity, the angels will perform the task of separating the good from the bad with perfect judgment.

The distinction between the good and the bad is determined by our usefulness in God’s Kingdom. God seeks those who will cooperate with Him in the work of redemption—those who live unselfish, consecrated lives, allowing His Spirit to work through them for the salvation of others. Those He rejects are those who are selfish, worldly, and bound to their senses, who refuse to be used as tools for His redemptive purposes.

To which group do we belong? Are we willing to identify with Christ in His suffering and sacrifice? Do we take joy in mercy, self-sacrifice, and holy service? If so, we have no reason to fear the future. But if we are wrapped up in ourselves, even if it involves religious practice, yet have no tears for others’ pain or no desire for their salvation, we may well wonder whether we’ll be cast aside as useless (1 Corinthians 9:27).

Prayer

O Lord, we acknowledge Your dominion over us. Our life, our death, our soul, and our body all belong to You. Grant that we may willingly dedicate them all to You, and use them in Your service. Amen.