Most of us have worked in the garden, often for relaxation, the gratification received from watching the tiny seeds grow, the enjoyment of fresh garden produce or the glorious flower displays. As we know, planting the seeds is the easiest part, but the weeding is tedious and back-breaking.
We have all pulled weeds, and they never quit growing, they are survivors. From the Gospel of Matthew, “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But when everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away. When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds appeared. The owner’s servants, his workers, came to him and said, “Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in this field? Where did the weeds come from? Do you want us to pull them up?” The owner said, “No, while you are pulling up the weeds, you may pull up and trample some of the good plants. Let them both grow until harvest, then collect the weeds(tares) and burn them, and bring the grain into the barn.” Tares, were almost indistinguishable from wheat until they headed out. Jesus’ parable, speaks directly to us and all mankind. It is a direct truth and commentary on mankind’s behaviour, faith, or lack of faith, and the events of God’s Kingdom that are to come.
The sower of the good seed is Jesus, the evil enemy is Satan or the devil. The weeds are those of the devil that dwell among us. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are the angels that will throw the weeds into the fire. We live in an imperfect, broken world with many, many noxious weeds and individuals that try to choke out our love of Jesus and turn us from Jesus’ true pathway. How do we survive in this weedy garden? We must make our way to the foot of the cross, kneel in remembrance of our personal wrongs(weeds), ask our Savior to forgive us and pull all the weeds from our lives. Let Jesus have all those weeds and throw them into the eternal fire, while we walk with Jesus, who was the one and only supreme sacrifice for our sins.
We can walk with Him for the rest of our lives and beyond, confident in His love and forgiveness. We just have to ask, trust in the grace of God, and obey. Jesus will destroy all the weeds in our lives if we just ask. God is the Master Gardener in our lives; let Him put our garden in order. With a true and faithful life with Jesus, the weeds do not have a chance to grow in our hearts. Hopefully, for all of us—the door to heaven will be open to all of us. May God bless all of us as we tend to our personal gardens and, with His help, destroy every sinful weed in our garden. A beautiful future awaits us for all eternity. Amen
Deacon Jack Robson, Anglican Parish of Last Mountain
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Disclaimer: opinions expressed are those of the writer.