THIS PRESENT TIME #10
The AHA! Moment 3.26.23

R.T. Kendall: “What response or action will people look back on in your life and say, ‘That was their finest moment’?”

Matthew 13:24-30 NASB Jesus presented another parable to them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. 25But while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and left. 26 And when the wheat sprouted and produced grain, then the weeds also became evident. 27And the slaves of the landowner came and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have weeds?’ 28And he said to them, ‘An enemy has done this!’ The slaves *said to him, ‘Do you want us, then, to go and gather them up?’ 29 But he *said, ‘No; while you are gathering up the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. 30Allow both to grow together until the harvest; and at the time of the harvest I will say to the reapers, “First gather up the weeds and bind them in bundles to burn them; but gather the wheat into my barn.”’”


I. Some blessings appear to be “automatic” — others do not.



II. “Contend” - The use of the phrase “while they were sleeping” indicates a passivity on the part of the workers.



III. Until we understand life from the perspective of our Father, we tend to traffic in:

A. Fear


B. Anger


C. Blame


D. A “closed spirit; a guarded heart.”



IV. We need a moment of discovery and discernment when our spirit says, “An enemy has done this!”



V. In other words, we need to be steady until we learn the true reason for our trial and trouble.

A. Joseph endured trouble that would have put most of us in therapy.

B. His continual setbacks would have embittered and broken many of us.


C. But we see him as a man with almost no blemish or vice.


D. His first son was name meant “To forget the trouble of my past.” His second son’s name meant “to become fruitful.” He made some pivotal decisions, but what was the turning point of realization?


E. He realized something that was not obvious. In fact, the truth was directly opposite to conventional wisdom.


F. Joseph was gradually learning that he was in prison not because he was being punished, but because he was in protective custody.


G. Genesis 50:15-21 NASB When Joseph’s brothers had seen that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph holds a grudge against us and pays us back in full for all the wrong which we did to him!” 16So they sent instructions to Joseph, saying, “Your father commanded us before he died, saying, 17‘This is what you shall say to Joseph: “Please forgive, I beg you, the offense of your brothers and their sin, for they did you wrong.”’ And now, please forgive the offense of the servants of the God of your father.” And Joseph wept when they spoke to him. 18Then his brothers also came and fell down before him and said, “Behold, we are your servants.” 19But Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in God’s place? 20. 21So therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” So he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.



VI. Our Christian Life Response to disappointing, confusing times:

A. From Jesus’ parable

1. Don’t be afraid to ask “why,” but do it the right way.


2. Don’t be reluctant to ask, “What can I do to make this better?”


3. Don’t be angry over what seems to be “unfair mercy.”


4. Don’t resent being asked to play the “long game.”



B. From Joseph

1. Remember the promises of “long ago.”


2. Forgive those who mistreated/harmed you.

a) Only God ultimately can ultimately forgive sin.

b) We can forgive people what they do to us.

c) Compared to God, we forgive a lesser offense on a lesser level. (Matthew 18)


3. And bathe everything in worship and thanksgiving.