"I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)
Thursday, January 18, 2024 - Day 18 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Genesis 42,43; Matthew 13:33-58)
THE DRAGNET
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind. When it was full, men drew it ashore and sat down and sorted the good into containers but threw away the bad. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Matthew 13:47-50 ESV)
There are two definitions to the word “dragnet.”
1) A series of actions that are done by the police in order to catch criminals.
2) A net that is pulled along the bottom of a river, lake, pond, etc., to search for or collect something.
The old Dragnet TV series from the 50's and 60's was based on the first definition. Our text is based on both definitions. When, at the end of the age (Judgement Day) all people have been “apprehended,” there will be a separation of the evil from the righteous. All people will be in either one or the other category. What changes evil sinners into righteous saints?”
“The blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (I John 1:7b-9 ESV)
How are people to respond to the impending dragnet?
First...
Delay not, delay not! The hour is at hand;
The earth will dissolve, and the heavens will fade.
The dead, small and great, in the judgment must stand.
What power, then, O sinner, can lend you its aid?
Delay not, delay not! Why longer abuse
The love and compassion of Jesus, your God?
A fountain is opened; how can you refuse
To wash and be cleansed in his pardoning blood?
(The Lutheran Hymnal, CPH 1941, # 349, stanzas 4-5)
Second... “Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.” (2 Thessalonians 3;15 ESV)
Do you know anyone who is in danger of being thrown into the fiery furnace of hell? Pray for them and look for a chance to tell them how much your Jesus means to you.
Heavenly Father, help me to continue to repent of my sins and believe in my Savior. Until You call me home to heaven, please use me to warn others so that they, too, can be Yours forever. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year.
Thank You
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