OUR ETERNAL DESTINY

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet that was cast into the sea and gathered some of every kind, which, when it was full, they drew to shore; and they sat down and gathered the good into vessels, but threw the bad away. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just, (Mark 13:47-49 NKJV)

There is a contrast, and yet a similarity, between this parable and that of the tares. In the latter we learn that it is impossible in the present age to separate the evil from the good in the professing Church of Christ; in the former we see that with an inevitable pressure, we are all being drawn towards the discrimination of the judgment seat of Christ.

What a confused mass of dead and living things are brought to shore by a net, weeds, mud, shells, unwholesome things as well as those which are good for food, lie in a confused heap together. So it is with the professing Church. It embraces every variety of character, good fish amid a certain amount of rubbish, and there is no society of men and women in which this mixture does not exist. Our Lord teaches that when the great net of the gospel dispensation has been drawn in to the shores of eternity, then, with unerring judgment, the angels will begin their work of separation.

The distinction which separates the good and the bad is determined by the service we can render in God's kingdom. He wants those who will co-operate with Him in the work of redemption, who are living unselfish and consecrated lives, through which His Spirit may work for the highest purposes of salvation. Those whom He rejects are the selfish, worldly, and sense bound natures, who refuse to be the implements and instruments of His redemptive purpose.

To which of these two classes do you belong? Are you willing to be identified with Christ in His cross and shame? Do you delight in mercy, self-sacrifice, and holy service? If so, you may anticipate the future without fear. But if, on the other hand, you are shut up within yourself, even though it be the enjoyment of religion, without tears for men's sorrows, or yearning for their salvation, you may question whether it may not be your lot to be cast away on the rubbish heap. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. (1 Corinthians 9:27 NKJV)

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, we acknowledge Your dominion over us; our life, our death, our soul and body, all belong to You. Grant that we may willingly consecrate them all to You, and use them in Your service.  In Jesus’ name I pray, AMEN.

God's Daily Promise

Promise #75:
When you pass through the waters, I will be close to you.

Isaiah 43:2 (WEB)
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they will not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned,
and flame will not scorch you.