47 "Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish.
48 When it was full, the fishmen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away.
49 This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous.
50 and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."
51 Have you understood all these things?" Jesus asked. "Yes," they replied.
52 He said to them, "Therefore every teacher of the law who has been instructed about the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old."
Jesus points up what the kingdom of heaven is like and how the end of the age will be. It is so obvious that entering the kingdom of heaven is more valuable than anything else. We must be able to give up Everything to get it.
Secondly, I think this passage shows that we all seem in the net and good to be in His kingdom, but the day of judgement will come and separat what's the good or bad. The net might mean a church or..maybe a christian-like life. But we know that just being in a church or pretending a chirstian doesn't mean we're safe from being thrown into the fiery furnance.
Last, the houseowner is the teacher of the law who has been instructed about the kingdom of heaven, it says. I think we're all those teachers who have been taught about it. Aren't we supposed to keep on bringing out those new and old messages to others?
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4 comments:
This passage reminds me to continuously evaluate the way I am carrying my life. If today were to be my last day, am I confident that I will be accepted into Heaven? Or will I be thrown into the fiery furnace? Although we hear this time and time again, about the day of judgement and separation, it's important to ask ourselves if we really believe this day will come. I know my life would much different if I really believed this to be true.
I live as if I have forever, but I know my time on earth will eventually come to an end. May it be next year, 40 years from now, tomorrow...this passage reminds to live everyday for the Lord and not just when I feel like it.
Also, my interpretation of v.52 is that since I am aware and have been instructed about the kingdom of heaven, I must continue to store new and old knowledge about the kingdom. This knowledge is what keeps my faith strong, which guides me to live a life that is worthy and pleasing to our Lord.
Sungeun, thanks for your post. It was truly blessing :)
thanks sungeun for a wise and honest reflection. just like a net catches all sorts of fish, the preaching of the gospel attracts all sorts of people--true believers, those who are uncommitted, and downright unbelievers. it is often difficult to tell one from the other when they are together in one group, as fish in a net. in a church setting, each type is virtually indistinguishable from one another.
but Jesus makes clear that at the end of the age, the angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous. something about the passage of time will make clear who is the true believer and who is the unbeliever.
i just loved how esther in her comment described the old and new treasures of the kingdom of heaven. i suppose the "old treasures"--the precious truths of the gospel--become that much more valuable with time, while the "new treasures" or "new" ways of understanding God's salvation draw us ever closer to the perfect light which is Christ Jesus. it's a wonderful way of understanding the kingdom. thanks sungeun and esther!
You're right, SeungEun going to church doesn't mean that we are real christian. We can't see the differece now, but when the time comes Jesus will separate the real believers.
That helps us to live everyday in a way that please God.
hello Sungeun!
i've read these passages before, but v. 52 stood out for me this time... and am convicted that our knowledge about the kingdom need to be fresh and re-newed so that when we speak to non-believers, they can see the excitement we have for the "prize" that is before us
thank you for your fresh take on these verses!
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