The Kingdom of Heaven: Includes Weeds

The Sundays after Pentecost, our focus shifts from Christ’s work for his Bride, the Church, to his work through his people. The Savior who promised his abiding presence last week now tells us why our experiences don’t align with our expectations. We expect the kingdom of heaven to be idyllic. Of course, this was God’s original design in the Garden of Eden. But since the fall into sin, we have had a wicked weed problem. As Jesus teaches us about the kingdom of heaven, he gives voice to our frequent frustration. (Mt. 13:27) “Didn’t you sow good seed? Where did the weeds come from?” Of course, any home gardener has endured the same thing. No good farmer sows weeds. They are the work of the wicked foe. Yet, the Son of Man is eager to reap a bountiful harvest, so he will not uproot a single weed before it is time for the harvest. At that time, the Lord of the harvest will separate the wheat from the weeds. That is the day we have our eyes on. Until then, we continue to work faithfully in the field and rejoice in how God uses us in his kingdom.