What Jesus Did! 'Shine like the Sun' — Matthew 13:40-43

Sunday, July 2, 2017

"The weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire. It will be the same at the end of the world. The Son of Man will send his angels, and his angels will find the people that cause sin and all people that do evil. The angels will take those people out of his kingdom. The angels will throw those people into the place of fire. In that place the people will be crying and grinding their teeth {with pain}. Then the good people will shine like the sun. They will be in the kingdom of their Father. You people that hear me, listen!"
— Matthew 13:40-43 NLT
Illustration of Matthew 13:40-43 NLT — Then the good people will shine like the sun.

Key Thought

While it is not popular in today's religious culture, Jesus does have a closing time, a time to settle accounts and judge us based on how we've lived our lives. What we do with our discipleship matters. Those who do not receive Jesus' message and live a life of righteousness, but instead choose to do evil and harm others will be left outside his kingdom and face eternal punishment. On the other hand, Jesus' disciples will be like the sun—but not just any star, but like the brightest one. They will share in the glory of their Savior and live with him forever in eternal joy.

Today's Prayer

Father, help my light to shine so others will see your glory and grace. Help me invest myself in others to bring them to you and receive your grace and mercy. In my own life, I want to be wholly dedicated to you and live your righteousness! In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • 2 Thessalonians 1:6-12
  • Philippians 2:14-16
  • Ephesians 5:8

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did is a one-year devotional guide through the gospels, using one short passage each day and following the Gospel in consecutive order. Each devotional consists of a passage, reflection and a prayer which opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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