Matthew 13:47-50 47Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: 48Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. 49So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, 50And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
The parable of the net illustrates the world as a vast sea, and the net, itself, as the Gospel. Just as the sea is composed of all types of fish, the world consists of all types of people. Notice, when the net is cast into the sea, it gathers every type of fish; the Gospel functions the exact same way. Regardless of nationality, creed, or color, this Gospel is one that is for all who are willing to receive it.
Although many men are caught one by one, in this age of revivals, conferences, and other great conventions, men are even gathered in large numbers. Even though it has not yet occurred, a time will come when that gospel net will be completely filled and drawn to shore. In the parable, the net gathered fish of every kind, but not all gathered was good. Thus, a separation had to take place, and a separation will also occur dividing the righteous from the unrighteous. We must understand that not everyone who attends church, sings in the choir, or even preaches the gospel are true Christians. Only those who are true will be gathered together to sit in heavenly places, but the wicked will be cast into the fiery furnace. It is important that we ensure we are doing everything in our power to be as the “good” fish. It is a terrible thing to be lost for eternity. In a story by J. Vernon Mcgee, he wrote,, “I was very much in reading a scientific paper written by men who were presenting certain scientific evidence in serval different fields, and their point was that science was not sure of many things. For example, they were not sure exactly what the atom blast would do. They were not sure of the consequences of germ warfare. They were not sure about the effect of the birth control pill. And many other things were mentioned. Then one of the scientists said this, ‘It’s just like this matter of eternity. You may not know whether there is a heaven or hell, but you had better make sure that you are going to heaven because even if you happen to be wrong, you’ll be all right. But if you’re wrong, it is surely going to be bad.’ Our Lord has made it very clear that it is a bad thing. If one lesson is acquired from this parable let it be to never become a castaway.
Prayer: Lord let our hearts be pure towards you. Let us be those counted as good vessels in the day of separation, that we may live with you forever. Amen.
