Sheep and Goats / Wheat and Weeds

In our Bible class we are beginning a study on the relevance of Christianity in today’s world.  Not too many years, ago this topic would not have been discussed.   Living the American dream in a Democratic society included faith in a Divine Creator. Millions believed that Jesus was God’s chosen Messiah, bringing redemption from sin and a belief that our faith would be honored by spending an eternity in God’s presence.  Sunday was a day that most American families attended church services.  In fact, there were “blue laws.”  Certain items could not be bought or sold on Sunday.  So where are we now in the 21^st century?

According to the book we are reading called “Good Faith”, the authors have come up with figures that express the thoughts of so many people in today’s world.  Christianity is simply not relevant and perhaps even hostile to a society that wants to be free from the shackles and restraints of the Biblical commands.  There is no heaven/hell, no rewards or punishments and that the “Faith of our Fathers” is simply not applicable in our society.  Surely man can come up with solutions in solving the world’s problems.  Death can be delayed; sickness cured, and the after- life can take care of itself!

Unbelief in God as well as “Me First” mindset seems to fit.   If it pleases Me then it is right for Me! Besides, if there is a God and He is Love then He isn’t going to send anyone to hell…..if there is a hell!

Jesus then had it all wrong. Not only Jesus, but many of the prophets from Scriptures.  We simply can’t vision a God that has a giant scoreboard up in Heaven, keeping track of everyone down here. That idea may seem strange and perhaps even primitive to our minds but when reading passages in the Bible we can’t refute the idea that God is indeed keeping His eyes on us.

Jesus uses metaphors in much of His teaching about Heaven vs. Hell and those who will be rewarded in the coming Kingdom.  Here is what Matthew tells us. (25:31-33)…… “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a Shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.  And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left.”

Here, Jesus is telling his audience that there will be a time at the end of the age when man will be judged. The Shepherd will be God himself.  The sheep represents believers, and the goats represent nations of people who have not come to faith. This same imagery can be found in Ezekiel 34.  The Prophet talks about the lost sheep of Israel and the shepherd of the tribe of David will feed them.  Jesus will feed the flocks of Israel but there will be a judgment among the sheep.

Then the Lord told the parable about the wheat and the tares. (Matt 13:30)  ”Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.”

Wheat and tares carries the same type of judgment.  The good vs the evil or those who will not be permitted to enter into the glories of the New Kingdom.

As believers, we are not to shy away from the difficult times in which we live.  We are “here and now” and must speak up where others are silent.  Speaking up for our faith might not change minds but you will be honored of the Father.  Good faith involves living up to a commitment; doing good works because you are a Christian; and being prepared to answer those who question your beliefs.

Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and more faith will be given to you.

Time to engage the culture!