Dear Explorer,
Let's continue digging into this parable that Jesus taught during the last week of His earthly life. I believe it's vitally important to sort out.
Re-Read Matthew 25:14-30
I asked you yesterday to write down who you thought the characters were. Here's my answer based on the context of the other two parables that Jesus told that day and based on the reward or punishment given.
I believe that the man with 5 bags is a follower of Jesus who is obediently following the Holy Spirit's instructions and therefore, has made really good use of God's blessings.
I believe that the man with 2 bags is also a follower of Jesus who is obediently trying to follow the Holy Spirit's instructions but struggles with obedience at times and therefore, has only made pretty good use of God's blessings.
Based on their ability to follow, God is pleased with both.
But I believe the man with 1 bag was empty on the inside. He didn't know about God's love and care and blessing. He saw God as mean and harsh and bad. His heart had not been changed and he was in charge of his own life. Yet, God still gave him a bag of blessings.
What does God do with people who are pretending to follow Him, but have not invited Him in and given Jesus the control of their life?
God takes their blessings and gives it to followers who are obedient to Him. The person who is empty will be sent away from God's presence. Now, that's not a popular teaching, but I want you to know what the Scripture says and what God says about salvation. It is free. It is available to all. It is paid for by the blood of Jesus – all you must do is invite Jesus in. Yet, God has allowed people to make their own choices. Many refuse to accept Jesus as their Messiah. They refuse to invite Him in, and their sins are not forgiven. On Day 134 we studied about the wages or price tag of sin.
What does the Bible say is the price tag of sin?
This is talking about spiritual death which is separation from God for all eternity.
That brings up an interesting question. Can you be empty and not know it?
Yes and no. I believe the Scripture teaches that to be empty and under God's wrath, you must have rejected Jesus and refused to invite Him into your God-shaped vacuum. So, I believe that while everyone knows whether they are empty or filled, many, many people don't realize how important it is.
Scripture tells us that God places within every human being the knowledge of Himself. (Romans 1:18-19) Many people just want to do life their way and don't want to acknowledge that God even exists. They have decided that it is just not important. But God, as Creator of all, has determined that it is vitally important! The only ones who will be in Heaven with Him will be those who do it His way – by inviting Jesus into their God-shaped vacuum so that He can forgive their sins.
Is God saying, “Do it My way, or I'll send you to Hell?”
Yes. He is God and really, all of us deserve Hell because of the way we have behaved and treated others and because of the way we have defied Him, His Son, and His way. God in His mercy has provided a way of escaping Hell. Has He shown this way to everyone or just to a few exclusive people?
If I went back to every Scripture that we have already covered, you would see that God has made it clear that Jesus came to rescue all people, of all backgrounds, of all times.
Will all invite Him in?
No. Most will not. Only a few will accept God's way.
I know these are tough concepts, but they are straight from God's Word. It is not politically correct and certainly not popular! But that doesn't keep it from being the truth. I'm praying for you as you wrestle with these truths. I'm praying for you to obediently follow God's wonderful plan for your life!
God's NEW WAY is free. It's available. It's simple – not complicated. It's not hidden. But it's 100% your decision. You are the only one keeping yourself out! Will you invite Jesus into your life and let Him forgive your sins and give you eternal life?
In His service, dale
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