Wheat, Weeds, and the Wait for Justice

We have the authority to bind Satan. We have the power to pick up snakes. We are more than conquerors. God is for us and not against us. No weapon formed against us will prosper. The righteous will not be abandoned. All these promises, and more, from the Bible are true. But so are the words of Jesus in today’s passage.

The parable of the wheat and weeds (tares) is often used to remind us that, in the fullness of time, those who are righteous will be revealed alongside those who are evil. The message is often, “Don’t worry—keep doing what is right; all will be revealed in the fullness of time.” However, we often use this parable to explain our circumstances here on earth. The general principle might be true—time truly does reveal what is in the heart of people. But in the parable, Jesus is talking about Judgment Day. He is the farmer, and those who are truly of the enemy will be revealed at the end of the world.

Why is this distinction important? In a world where results are instant, we can easily get caught up in thinking that the “fullness of time” means this side of eternity. But in today’s passage, that isn’t what we are taught. The evil one and his agents may not be revealed to us until the Day of Judgment. It is only then that everything that causes sin, and all who do evil, will be removed—and the truly righteous will shine. If we aren’t willing to accept this difficult and often painful truth, we may find ourselves distracted in our wait for vindication, falling into the enemy’s trap of offence, bitterness, and disappointment in the Lord.

Questions for reflection: Am I being used by the enemy in any area of my life? Do I only agree with the positive promises in the Bible? Am I willing to accept that the justice or acknowledgement I am waiting for may not come before the Day of Judgment? Have I asked the Holy Spirit to heal my heart of any bitterness, offence, or disappointment in my pursuit of vindication?