If you’ve ever shopped for an expensive product that has many customers, there is usually a “knock-off” version available in case you don’t have enough money for the real thing. For instance, it would be wise to know the difference between a Swiss, Geneva-made watch and one that has been produced in some other country. There are small inconsistencies in fake watches, and the authentic ones are easily more detailed and exhibit quality through and through.
Also, if you find a watch available from someone walking along the street and they are selling it cheap or “at a loss,” you may have a clue that there must be a very good reason. They are not authentic even though they may look like the real thing. The real thing is usually not sold by these methods or found in shady alleyways.
Jesus was concerned about similar forgeries in the Christian faith. Not all who call Him “Lord, Lord” are real Christians. In Matthew 7:22-23, “Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.’”
He taught that at the end, a final separation will occur to weed out those who only appear to be Christ’s, but are not. Jesus taught that the weeds can appear so similar to wheat that only God will be able to sort through them. Jesus taught, “Allow both to grow together until the harvest; and in the time of the harvest I will say to the reapers, “First gather up the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them up; but gather the wheat into my barn.”
In Luke 6, we also read, “For each tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they pick grapes from a briar bush…” Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?”
Let us pray that when the wheat and the chaff are separated, and the wind blows the chaff away from the threshing floor, that we shall all remain as good seed bearing the fruit that benefits the Kingdom of God, His Church, and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
In Christ’s Service,
Dr. Earl A. Bland