Topic: Be On Your Guard [Sunday June 18, 2017]
Text: Matthew 13:24-30
Key Verse: “But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way” (Matthew 13:25).
During World War II, a most subtle and dangerous nuisance became prevalent in England – “the optimistic nuisance.” The false impression was created that the war was all but won because England was triumphant at that time on land, sea and in the air, but the nation was still confronted by an implacable foe. Recruiting fell off and many became lax. The department of state had to issue grave warnings to checkmate the erroneous impression that the war was drawing to a victorious end. The parable of Jesus under consideration in our reading today has a lot of lessons to teach the pilgrims on the way to glory land.
Those who wish to run the race successfully to the end without sustaining any injury or falling prey to the adversary need be wary of the enemy’s ploy to make them relapse into self-indulgence and unprofitable ‘rest’ along the way. Good seeds were sown by this man in his own field; he must have gone home to take a little rest after the rigorous exercise of cultivating the land and planting good seeds. Unfortunately for him, his enemy came at a period he was prone to fatigue, weakness, weariness and vulnerable to attack. God’s children are engaged in an incessant warfare.
Our adversary, the devil is an implacable foe. In our warfare, no armistice can be declared. It is hazardous for God’s children to cease to be watchful and wakeful just like a song writer penned: “O watch, and fight, and pray. The battle never give o’er; Renew it boldly every day, And help divine implore”. Believers must be on guard day and night against the plantings of the wicked ones that come in during the slumbering hours and carefree moments of relaxation, especially after spiritual exploits. The enemy is relentlessly looking for such opportunities to perpetrate his mischievous acts. You are the one to stay awake and watch over your life, family and territory.
Thought for the day: Anything can befall the slumbering Christian; therefore, please be at alert and watch!
Bible Reading in one Year: Job 39-42
DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
