The Oxford Dictionary defines the word investment as an act of devoting time, effort, or energy to a particular undertaking with the expectation of a worthwhile result. In today’s lesson, I would like to draw your attention to one canny investment found in the bible.
Matt 13:24-30
24 Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. 25 But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. 26 When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared. 27 “The owner’s servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?’ 28 “‘An enemy did this,’ he replied. “The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’ 29 “‘No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may root up the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.'” NIV
In the above text, God, the Master, and his servants have prepared the soil for planting, after which they take a rest. During that time an enemy breaks in, plants weeds and takes off. Notice how he takes advantage of the Master and his servants’ efforts in the process.
When the wheat germinated the servants wanted to pull out the weeds but the Master would not let them. Instead, he suggested that they let them grow together. Now the servants had the double job of helping their master’s wheat and the enemy’s weeds grow to their fullest. Still, the enemy does not partake in the undertaking.
At last, it’s harvest time his weeds are gathered tied up in bundles to be burned and he still has no part in it. He might come only to reap.
This is how the devil has worked. We are made to believe that the worst people in the world are shaped by the nightclubs, the beer halls, the gambling malls, the betting games, the movie theaters and all but it is not so. The devil has invested more into the church than anything and since he was corrupted in the presence of the Lord he has planned the same of his followers on earth.
The church is in the business of molding out Saints and evil at the same time. This is suggested by the above parable where God and his servants (religious leaders) are being taken advantage of, to further Satan’s aims. Hence the worst of people can be shaped from the church.
Ezek 28:15-16
You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created till wickedness was found in you. 16 Through your widespread trade you were filled with violence, and you sinned. So I drove you in disgrace from the mount of God, and I expelled you, O guardian cherub, from among the fiery stones. NIV
Gen 4:16
6 So Cain went out from the Lord’s presence and lived in the land of Nod, east of Eden. NIV
Matt 27:5
5 So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself. NIV
Such is the tragic end of some who once served in the presence of God but upon despising his righteousness they lost their place amongst his people. Dear friend, we are not safe at all. Attending church does not guarantee salvation. Only when we heed God’s call to repentance and when we turn away from our old sinful lives and accept his Son Jesus Christ as our personal Savior are we saved.
Phil 1:6
6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. NIV
When God begins a work in us there is no turning back. This work whether its salvation or sanctification is not left unfinished but is brought to fruition by the Holy Spirit. The question that remains is, was it ever begun in the first place? If God has not begun a work in us then who has?
Rom 8:16-17
16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. NIV
Do you hear the Spirit in your heart or you are not so sure? If not then say this prayer with me. Dear Lord, you are not slow in keeping your promise, as some understand slowness. You are patient with me, not wanting me to perish, but to come to repentance. Dear Lord, I come to you this day, please accept me as I am and pardon my sin. May your Spirit find refuge in my heart in Jesus’ name Amen.
God bless you and see you in the next lesson
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