Matthew 13: 24-30
“Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man who sowed good seed in his field:
But, while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.
But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.
So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field: From where, then, hath it tares?
He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou, then, that we go and gather them up?
But he said, Nay; lest while you gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.
Let both grow together until the harvest; and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.”
Recently I was visiting with a dear friend. She remarked during our conversation that she has told the Lord that she wants to “be standing with the wheat” when the Lord comes. Long after we had finished our conversation, my mind kept thinking about what she had said.
A tare looks like counterfeit wheat. The enemy who sows it among the wheat is well aware of this. When they are both young, it is very hard to tell the difference. By the time you can tell the difference, it is too late to remove the tares without harming the precious wheat. Wheat and tares often share a common root system. Another difference in them is that when the wheat is full and heavy with grain, it seemingly bows its head. The tare, on the other hand, does not bow but appears obstinate. It is an imposter and has no grain.
What a poignant, searing description the Lord was revealing about the hearts of men. Wheat is “ripe unto harvest” and bends its neck because of the heavy grain. The tare remains stiff and unwavering and has no intention of bowing to anyone or anything.
The servants asked the Master if they should remove the tares but he instructed them to let them grow together until the harvest for fear of harming the wheat. He explained that he would tell the reapers to gather first the tares and bind them and burn them, but to gather the wheat and place it into his barn.
First of all, this parable tells us it is difficult to tell them apart. They look alike and grow alike. When considering how to identify the tares, we must seek the Lord for discernment. Tares are trying to fit in with the wheat. They will talk the same talk and often they will go through the motions of worship the same as the “wheat.” However, they were planted with a purpose and that was to mingle in and appear the same but to what end?
The tare is thought to be a seed of the darnel plant. Webster’s Dictionary describes it as a weedy rye grass often appearing in grain fields; when its seeds are infested with a certain fungus, they become poisonous; to have stupefied qualities such as to bring into a state of stupor; make dull, or lethargic; to astound, amaze or bewilder. Let that sink in.
It is critical that we identify the tares among the wheat. This calls for discernment. Again we turn to Webster’s Dictionary. Discern: having keen understanding and insight; being able to distinguish one thing from another; having or showing good judgment; being astute; having keen perception; acumen.
Jesus explained this in a parable. He wanted us to comprehend the deep meaning of what was being said. He was telling us that there would be those “in our same field” who are imposters. We are to be aware of this and pray for discernment. He told us in 1 Peter 5:8 that we are to be sober, be vigilant because your adversary the devil, is going about like a roaring lion to see whom he may devour.
Sober and vigilant. Does this describe us? Are we prayerfully beginning each day with time spent with the Lord? Are we allowing quality time to hear His still, small voice? He tells us that He is waiting for the time of the harvest to separate the wheat from the tares. The enemy of our soul knows the hour in which we live. He knows his time is short. Would he not be commandeering the tares to try and destroy the wheat before it is harvested? The answer is a resounding YES. It behooves us to not be “business as usual”, but to be on guard, making decisions based on discerning the will of the Father. It is not a time to become lethargic, passive, or comfortable in our field. We need to cry out to the Father for wisdom, knowledge and understanding. He tells us He will give it to us. All we need to do is go to Him and ask for it. Ask that we are able to discern the hour in which we live. The door will be shut and the hour is coming when no man can work. We must have a passion for what He has a passion for and that is souls. And we must have a passion for HIM and HIS WORD. Have we been lulled to sleep. Will we be standing with the wheat when the reaper comes to separate the tares? Are we longing for His return? He used a Bride and a Bridegroom for a reason. They want to be together; to know one another; to recognize each other’s voice and be drawn like a magnet one to the other. The Lord wants us to be preparing ourselves for Him and watching and waiting with great anticipation for His return. His will not be a tepid relationship with His bride. Are we deeply in love with the Lord?
Now I would like to share what was either a dream or vision I had last night. It was one of those times where there was no doubt in my mind that the Lord had visited me in the night season. There is no way I will be able to adequately portray what I felt and saw in the spirit: however, I know it needs to be expressed. Here is my best effort to do so.
There were angel wings rustling about. They were in a hurry. A magnificent table was being prepared. There was a scent so strong and so pure and so unbelievably present. It was like every flower ever created was in full bloom and permeating the air. I heard a tinkling sound like the ultimate in fine crystal being handled ever so gently. Gorgeous pieces of silver utensils were being laid out in a precise manner, each possessing its own space on the table among the flowers. Heavenly beings were racing from one place to another. The anticipation level was palatable. Great care was being given to the smallest detail. I knew in my spirit that preparations were being made for the Bride to appear. There was going to be a celebration that would marvel any celebration ever. I felt so strongly in my spirit that it would be happening soon.
Matthew 24:36 “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.” The time is coming soon when the Father will say to the Son, “It is time”.
Revelation 19:7
“Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to him; for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.”
Revelation 22:20
“He who testifieth these things saith, Surely, I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”
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