PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 13:31-58

What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?

“The blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Matthew 13:42)
This language is what shapes the way people think about hell.
It is both visual and visceral… but is it literal?
Jesus uses hyperbole elsewhere, like cutting off hands and gouging out eyes.
I personally see this as real, but not literal.
That is, there is a judgment for those who act like the devil.
Those who deceive, destroy, abuse, slander, steal, rape and oppress.
Those who do the opposite of love cannot enter a kingdom of love.
These words are a reminder of how important love and goodness are.
They are also an encouragement to those who are victims of hate and cruelty.
The day is coming when evil will be ended, and love will endure forever.
Jesus is urging us to produce the harvest of love, and not be weeds.
“Everything that causes sin” (41) will be gone, and goodness will be restored.
This is good news for those who long for goodness, but not for those who don’t.
There will be some who weep and gnash their teeth when love wins!
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, not everyone wants to know your love, joy and peace. May those who prefer the opposite come to their senses, before they come to regret it.