TOUGH QUESTION The “servant” in this parable raise one of the toughest questions ever posed: If God is good, and all powerful, where does evil come from and why is evil permitted?
The answer provided is a simple one. It does not address all the logical difficulties of good and evil co-existing, but it tells us what we need to know: “An enemy did this.”
* God does not generate evil. God is good indeed and ought not be identified with evil at all.
* Let God be concerned with understanding evil deeply and thoroughly. When we seek in-depth understanding of evil (through viewing films or reading novels), we risk real damage to the heart, soul, and mind.
* Spiritual “warfare” is normal, not odd or surprising. Enemies actively oppose one another.
When sin and unbelief seem so strong, don’t try to figure out where they originated. We know Satan is our enemy. Instead, trust God and determine to follow Him.
GOD DOES THE WEEDING
The young weeds and the young blades of wheat look the same and can’t be distinguished until they are grown and ready for harvest. Weeds (unbelievers) and wheat (believers) must live side by side in this world. God allows unbelievers to remain for a while, just as a farmer allows weeds to remain in his field so that the surrounding wheat won’t be uprooted with them. At the harvest, however, the weeds will be uprooted and thrown away. God’s harvest (judgment) of all people is coming. Make yourself ready by remaining faithful to Christ and obeying Him.
—Bruce B. Barton
