The Harvest

Scripture: “The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom all who cause others to sin and all evildoers. They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears ought to hear.” Matthew 13:41-43

Prayer: Help my ears not fail me.

Response: It’s much easier after reading these verses to look around the room and wonder to whom the words apply. Perhaps, the enemy on a desolate battle field, a polluter in industry, a banker driven by gain, a worker knowingly creating an inferior and sometimes dangerous product. But don’t you think that in encouraging you to hear, you should ponder how the words might apply to you especially when you block out with white noise the inner voice that represents your authentic self fortified and nourished in my grace?

Instead of focusing on the grinding of teeth, see you included among the righteous in the kingdom, not basking in the sun soundless,but joyous and alive in communion with others who know your heart and you know theirs. Don’t wait for the kingdom to appreciate that joy and openness, free of any deceit.

So the steps you take today and every day are to be in the steps of the righteous so there will be no doubt as to your commitment and where you fit during the harvest. Approach each day as if it was harvest time,contributing your labor honestly without guile.