| Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 |
As I reflect on the parable of the weeds, I hear two things. A strong warning and extraordinary hope. First, we must remember that we are living among the weeds. Without diligence, we will be distracted, our growth disrupted, and our destiny destroyed. The faithful, however, thrive in the confusion. Their hope is not found in the things of this world. Instead, life is found in the creator, our living God. How do they do it? Can they help us remain faithful? The answer is surprisingly simple. Know God.
This is where it gets scary. For me, at least, because I’m not sure that I really want to know God. Dallas Willard explains my thoughts in his book, Knowing Christ Today. He says, “we can fail to know because we do not want to know—because what would be known would require us to believe and act in ways contrary to what we want.” Do you hear it? It is the subtle choking of weeds telling us divergent stories. These stories shift our focus ever so slightly from knowing God to knowing the world. As you already know, the consequences are catastrophic. Consider these words from Hosea 4:6,
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge;
because you have rejected knowledge,
I reject you from being a priest to me.
And since you have forgotten the law of your God,
I also will forget your children.
If you want to know God, Psalm 104 is an amazing place to look. Today, the Psalmist reminded me that yes, God is our wonderful creator. And, he is much, much more. When you spend time getting to know him as he Psalmist did, there is only one response. Worship. It’s written right there in verses 33-35.
I will sing to the Lord as long as I live.
I will praise my God to my last breath!
May all my thoughts be pleasing to him,
for I rejoice in the Lord.
Let all sinners vanish from the face of the earth;
let the wicked disappear forever.
Let all that I am praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord! Psalms 104:33-35 (NLT)