In Preparation for the Separation

We don’t always have a choice about where we put down roots.

But we have a lot to say about how well they grow.

Lately, I’ve become very aware of the vegetation that’s sprouting roots around me. But I’ve also noticed a lot of them are starting to get bolder, actually shedding their disguises and exposing themselves as the noxious weeds they actually are.

I shouldn’t be surprised. 

Because Jesus Christ warned His disciples this is what would happen when He was telling them a parable. [see: Matt. 13:24-29] The weeds [or tares] are all around us and they aggressively seek to blend in with us. But, most of the time, it’s difficult to determine who they are until they’re more fully grown.

And that’s a problem. 

But if I’m a vigilant disciple of Jesus, my roots will be strong and self-sustaining because they’ll be bound up together with His rather than those of a tare’s, since strong, righteous plant roots don’t seek to mingle with weed roots.

So, the strength of my roots is a measure of my maturity.

That’s important to remember because, whether I’m a wheat plant or a disciple of Jesus Christ, the key to experiencing a bountiful harvest is reaching maturity regardless of whatever conditions exist in the soil. And living in the presence of toxic roots doesn’t make it any easier either.

But take heart. The Reaper is coming and the separation shall begin:

“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 [weeds] and bind them in bundles to burn them up, but gather the wheat into my barn.’” [the words of Jesus, Matthew 13:30]

And harvest is closer than we realize.