Like Unto

Eight different times Matthew quotes Jesus as saying the kingdom of heaven is like something to which His audience could relate. Think of it as me describing things when all you can see is my little Accent:

The Cadillac Escalade is like unto it, having four tires, headlights on either side in front and side mirrors.

The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL550 is like unto it, having a door in the back.

The Lexus RX 350 is like unto it, having two doors on either side.

That just doesn’t do justice to our understanding of the Cadillac, Mercedes or Lexus, does it? They are so more luxurious than the Hyundai Accent that the analogies just do not paint a complete picture.

I believe our view of heaven is just as limited. Several verses in 1 Corinthian’s second chapter relate to this:

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. (1 Corinthians 2:9)

Even with Jesus explaining what the kingdom is like, we’re seeing small slices that require a spiritual understanding.

Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (1 Corinthians 2:12-14)

At least you had the photograph of the Accent in front of you. What if you were explaining those four vehicles to someone who had never seen a car? What words could be used? Would a few suffice, or would it take a book? Why, then, do we expect hearers new to God’s word to come to an understanding quickly?  Do we expect crops grow quickly as well, or mature over time?

I’m reminded of our enthusiastic young preacher-boys who would meet someone for the first time, ask if they were saved and (assuming a “I don’t know” answer) witness to them. They were blessed when that person repeated the ‘sinner’s prayer’ and counted them as saved. They have years of experience now, understanding much more about seed sowing and watering before fruit is borne.

And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth. I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours. (John 4:37-38)

Paul understood, and explained:

I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. (1 Corinthians 3:6-7)

Be prepared to explain what we know, with the understanding that we do not know God’s mind, only a portion of His plans and a small glimpse of His kingdom.  We do have the opportunity to know His word. Take advantage of that resource, OK?