Theology (Proper A11)
The Parable of the wheat and the tares is kind of scary. There is evil all around us. Even in our own churches there are those who are only there to strangle and destroy. Who knows who they are? but they will be destroyed at the end. (So says one commentary I read, which belayed its doctrinal position by making clear that the tares need not be burned before the wheat is in the barn, but would probably be burned after the wheat was safely put away.)
There is more to this week than the question of a pre-trib, post-trib or an a-tribulation rapture. The obejct of the week is God! Jacob finds God in the wilderness and the Psalmist cries
Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
Wisdom calls God soverign in strength and judges in mildness. Isaiah says there is no other God, no other rock. No one is like our God and no one does what he does! We can trust him for our salvation, he is slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love.
While there is rightly a eschatological feel to Matthew, let us not forget our hope! We are set free. As I read Paul's words, I can't help but see the sycle slicing the stock of wheat, setting it free from corruptable nature. This God of the harvest is Abba to me! Though weeds threaten, the evil abounds and presses in on all sides, I can trust him! There is none like him, none so powerful, so loving, so patient, and so commited to my salvation.
