So far, in reading Matthew it seems every parable that Jesus speaks of is about the kingdom of Heaven. From seeds to weeds and pearls and hidden treasures, the message always contains a Heavenly perspective. And this time is no different. The Parable that comes next is about a fishing net, a furnace, and a storeroom. Jesus said, “The kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away. This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew 13:47-50 Do you believe that Jesus is telling the truth? In every parable he says the same thing! There will be a separation between humans - between the ones he considers to be good and bad, whom he also refers to as the righteous and wicked. Jesus asked his disciples, “Have you understood?” You see, once the disciples had a firm understanding of what would happen on the day of judgment, He gave them more information. And I believe this is what I will see as I progress through the scriptures. “Every teacher of the law (As written by God) who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.” Matthew 13:51-52 At first I did not understand what this second part of the parable meant, but now the word is slapping me right in my face. I believe this is what it means - A follower of Christ is one who studies the Word, And follows the influence of the Holy Spirit. A disciple of Christ is given knowledge and wisdom, and a firm understanding of the Kingdom of Heaven. Disciples of Christ are fully equipped by God to show others the truths contained in the Old and New Testament. And let me tell you this - Everything points to Jesus! I’m not speaking from what I learned in a Bible college, because I never attended! I went through what is known as the "life of hard knocks." I am just a regular person who heard the voice of God and decided to listen. I am a just an everyday person who opened the Book of God’s instruction, and decided to submit to the Father’s correction. This is why my life chapter is Hebrews 12. Truly, I am just like a Gideon. I come from a lowly position, and thought myself as completely unworthy, until Jesus showed up and taught me whose I am. It's true. Jesus appeared in a boardwalk vision and lifted me from the pit of self-destruction. He walked me down the aisle, to the Father then opened the tent door. In an instant I was transformed into God’s illumination, and I suddenly knew WHO I was made of. God is so much more than a figment of our imagination. He is the Creator of the universe, the earth and the heavens. God is more than a feel-good message. He is the one who gives breath, and takes it away. He is the one who curses and who blesses. Ever since that day I’ve been a true follower of Christ - not a carnal Christian who says she loves God but goes her own way. I am no longer an unfaithful servant - who half-heartedly abides but is an adulterer at heart. I have learned that as a follower of Christ I must understand God’s plan to walk in my purpose. And this means that I must live in the earth realm as a citizen of Heaven. And every citizen of Heaven has a storeroom because they share in the glory of God. A storeroom is a place where necessities are placed until it’s the right time to bring them out. A storeroom also contains a surplus of wealth. It’s where a person places things that are close to their heart - like Jesus, God’s promise of eternal life. Did you know that God gave his children a storeroom because we are made in His imagine - and He has one? God’s storeroom contains his unfailing love and faithfulness; his absolute grace and patience with us, and his constant provision to care for us. Eating from the storehouse of God, which comes from the heavens above, is how God blesses his children for their obedience, and how Jesus lavishes His bride in splendor and perfume. “The Lord will open for you His good storehouse, the heavens, to give rain to your land in its season and to bless all the work of your hand; and you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow.” Deuteronomy 28:12 The Lord says, “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, “if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows.” Malachi 3:10 Reading the Word is like unscrolling the scroll. The more you open it, the more comes out. The same is true for our tithe. The more we give to build the kingdom of God, the more we store up in the New Jerusalem. God said, through the mouth of Malachi, his prophet, “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, “if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows.” Do you know this is the only time that God says to test him? It's when He challenges us to build up His Kingdom. If you love God with all your heart, your mind and your soul, then you will acknowledge Him in all that you do in the earth realm because you are storing up riches in Heaven.
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