Thursday, 6 December 2007

Parable of the dragnet

So I'm not totally convinced that I like the order of that list, but here goes.
The parable of the dragnet, Matthew 13:47–50, as taken from the KJV (because I know how much certain people dislike me using the KJV).

47Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind:
48Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away.
49So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just,
50And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

Well, for a start I think what we can agree with here is that Jesus was talking about judgement. For a bit of background, apparently there are about 50 varieties of fish in Israel, hence the need for the fishermen to separate the good from the bad. It's interesting to note though, I think, that he talks about the angels "severing the the wicked from among the just". We're not just looking at a distinction between Christians and the unsaved, here. We're looking actually within the church. Those that would claim to be followers of Christ, but in fact are not, they're the ones who're being separated from the true followers of Christ. It's quite a thought. And there shall be a wailing and gnashing of teeth, oh yes! I love that phrase. Not sure why.

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