Quote:
Originally Posted by ZNPaaneah
the concept of hiding things is common to virtually all of the stories in chapter 13. The seed is stolen by the birds because it is unable to hide beneath the soil. The treasure is hidden in the field. The pearl was "found" indicating that it was hidden until that point. On the other hand an enemy hid tares in the field. So both sides are working with this strategy, almost like a spy vs spy episode. And then the fish try to sneak into the kingdom net, but are rejected by the angels.
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"There was war in heaven..." Revelation chapter 12
In this war, there is a lot of close-in fighting, mingling, and deception. We, of course, should be pure, but only Jesus truly fulfilled His mission by being pure to the end. "The ruler of this world is coming, and he has no power or claim over Me". (John 14)
The rest of us are to fulfill our mission by repenting and believing into Jesus Christ, and receiving life in His name. Then, we are promised that if we endure to the end, we will be saved (cf Matt. ch 10).
But the tempter continually comes to attempt to turn even the saints from the true path (Mark 13, Matt 24). He tries to disguise his ministers as angels of light. (2 Cor 11)
And look at the armies! Jesus allowed Satan to lodge even among the Twelve. "I chose you, but one of you has a devil" (John 6). And then Peter left God's call and a dark stream of curses exited his mouth as he denied the true Christ. Yet Jesus prayed for him, so that eventually Peter repented and came back, and strengthened the brothers. (Luke 22)
I find this so interesting: there seems to be a continual sifting, with the light sifting through and redeeming the darkness, and the darkness creeping in and sifting the kingdom of light. The angels I don't see "switching sides" at all; once the fallen angels are in Satan's realm they are done. Likewise God's hosts never seem to sway or falter in carrying out their mission. The muddy humans, on the other hand, seem to go back and forth. Sin, repentance, sin, repentance.
"When the light becomes darkness, how great is the darkness!" (Luke 11).We who claim the kingdom of light should ever be wary of the subtle one, who continually endeavors to snare us. But we are not ignorant of his schemes.
And on the other hand, there are many encouraging stories, like Christ praying for Peter, so that we should never give up hope, either for ourselves or one another. "Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives." (Jude)
The battle rages. But Jesus, the Prince of Peace, is surely the victor. His resurrection is a testimony to the world, that the battle's course is set. "It is finished!" (John 19)