Dr. Rob White - November 19, 2023
Are They Angels?
August 5th, 2018
Christ calls us to be patient with the foibles and failures of fellow-Christians, promising that God will send the angels to sort it out at the end of the age.
Scripture Text: Matthew 13:24-30,36-43
A sermon by Rev. Dr. Rob White for Athens ULC Ministries
From Series: "Blast From The Past"
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In a world filled with challenges and imperfections, the Parable of the Weeds, as discussed in the sermon “Are They Angels?” encourages believers to cultivate patience in the face of diversity and shortcomings. The sermon delves into the profound message conveyed by Jesus through this parable, drawing insights from Matthew 13:24-30 and 13:36-43.
The parable unfolds in a field where good seed is sown, representing those who seek to do God’s will, and weeds are stealthily planted by an enemy under the cover of darkness, symbolizing those who commit evil deeds. When the servants discover the weeds amidst the wheat, they propose to eliminate them, but the wise landowner advises patience, urging them to wait until the harvest. The sermon draws parallels between this narrative and the challenges faced by individuals in navigating a world filled with both virtuous and malevolent influences.
The central theme revolves around the notion that God, represented as the ultimate harvester, will send His angels at the end of the age to distinguish between the righteous and the unrighteous. This divine sorting emphasizes the importance of patience and trust in God’s ultimate plan, even in the face of adversity and wrongdoing.
The speaker emphasizes the relatable human tendency to focus on the faults of others, akin to pulling out weeds prematurely, risking damage to the “wheat” – those striving to follow God’s will. Drawing on personal anecdotes and relatable examples, the sermon stresses the importance of self-reflection and the acknowledgment that everyone is a work in progress. The analogy of using Roundup to eliminate weeds underscores the challenge of distinguishing between the undesirable and the potentially fruitful.
The sermon extends beyond the church setting, offering practical applications for daily life. It urges believers not to impose rigid standards on others but to focus on personal growth, emphasizing that trying to enforce uniformity in beliefs can hinder the ability to bear fruit for God. The concept of a harvest time approaching serves as a reminder that everyone will be held accountable for their actions, distinguishing between those who lived according to God’s teachings and those who pursued worthless pursuits.
The Parable of the Weeds, the speaker contends, encourages a patient and understanding approach within the church and in all relationships. While recognizing the necessity of addressing serious issues, the sermon promotes a balanced perspective that fosters love over criticism. The blog post concludes with thought-provoking questions, challenging readers to reflect on whether they are “wheat” or “weed” and encouraging them to focus on bearing fruit, loving God, and expressing love to others in the anticipation of the impending harvest.
In a world where the weeds of negativity and impatience often threaten to overshadow the wheat of goodness and growth, this blog post serves as a reminder to embrace the Parable of the Weeds and cultivate patience, trust, and love in the journey of faith.
