Slices
Prepare
Thank God that you have the Bible available and pray for him to speak as you read it.
Bible passage
The parable of the weeds
24 Jesus told them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. 25 But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. 26 When the wheat sprouted and formed ears, then the weeds also appeared.
27 ‘The owner’s servants came to him and said, “Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?”
28 ‘“An enemy did this,” he replied.
‘The servants asked him, “Do you want us to go and pull them up?”
29 ‘“No,” he answered, “because while you are pulling up the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: first collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.”’
Explore
Some weeds are easily identified but sometimes it is difficult to distinguish the weeds from the plants, especially when they are beginning to grow. Darnel (Lolium temulentum) is a weed looking very similar to wheat as it grows. In fact, it’s sometimes called ‘false wheat’. This is the kind of weed spoken of here (the AV translates it as ‘tares’). Attempting to pull the darnel out would endanger the crop amongst which it is growing but its black seeds would make it identifiable at harvest time (v 30).
Over the course of church history many attempts have been made to weed out unbelievers and heretics. Many who are now considered great examples of faith were persecuted or even martyred by other parts of the church. Do you have any Christian heroes who were rejected by the church in their own lifetime?
We can be tempted to divide the world into ‘us’ and ‘them’. There may be times when it is appropriate to avoid the teaching of some groups, and even to warn younger Christians, but the final decision about their fate belongs to God.
A wise Christian once said to me that our job is not to decide who is saved and who isn’t, but to help people to know that they are saved.
Respond
Pray for the wisdom to recognise truth from error and the generosity not to condemn those with whom you disagree.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Job 22,23; Psalm 85
Pray for Scripture Union
With so many of the next generation being open to exploring faith, please pray for God to raise up more faithful servants like Wayne with the same passion ‘to preach the gospel where Christ was not known’ (Romans 15:20) so that more children and young people might develop a vibrant faith in Jesus. (This week's prayer relate to this article.)
Because a strong start begins with smart preparation
Starting secondary school is more than new classrooms and new friends. It’s a season of growth, challenge and discovery. For some children, it’s exciting. For many, it’s overwhelming. And for all, it’s a defining moment.
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Secondary school is coming whether children feel ready or not. Let’s make sure they step forward grounded in faith, guided by hope and prepared with practical wisdom.
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