There are moments in life when evil seems to break in unexpectedly, and it’s easy to wonder where God is in the midst of tragedy and chaos. Jesus’ parable in Matthew 13 reminds us that while God sows good seed, the enemy is actively at work, often when we are least alert or spiritually drowsy. Not every painful event is God’s will—there is a real enemy who seeks to destroy, and his attacks often come when we are unprepared or complacent. This is a call to spiritual vigilance, to recognize that we are in a battle and must not let our guard down, but instead remain awake and attentive to the schemes of the enemy. [23:11]
Matthew 13:24-30 (ESV)
He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field, but while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away. So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also. And the servants of the master of the house came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have weeds?’ He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ So the servants said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ But he said, ‘No, lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them. Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.’”
Reflection: Where in your life have you grown spiritually complacent or “fallen asleep,” and how can you intentionally stay alert to the enemy’s schemes this week?
The parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25 is a prophetic picture of the church in the last days, urging us to be prepared for Christ’s return. The oil in the lamps represents the Holy Spirit’s presence and an active, living relationship with Jesus. Some will be ready, but others will be caught unprepared, unable to borrow spiritual readiness at the last moment. This is a call to cultivate a daily walk with God, to keep your heart tender, your faith alive, and your lamp burning bright, because when the cry rings out, there will be no time to get ready—only those who are prepared will enter into the joy of the Bridegroom. [36:04]
Matthew 25:1-13 (ESV)
“Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’ And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”
Reflection: What does it look like for you to “keep oil in your lamp” today—what specific step can you take to deepen your relationship with the Holy Spirit?
When tragedy strikes, it’s easy to despair, but Jesus teaches that even what the enemy means for evil, God can use for good. In John 12, Jesus says that unless a seed falls to the ground and dies, it remains alone, but if it dies, it produces many seeds. The martyrdom of a righteous person, though horrific, can become the catalyst for a spiritual awakening, stirring hearts and multiplying the impact of their witness. God did not cause the evil, but He is able to redeem it, using it to awaken the church, expose darkness, and bring many to Himself. [45:46]
John 12:24-26 (ESV)
“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.”
Reflection: Can you recall a time when God brought something good out of a painful or unjust situation in your life? How might He be inviting you to trust Him to redeem present difficulties?
In a world where hatred and violence are often met with more of the same, followers of Jesus are called to a radically different response: to overcome evil with good. When faced with injustice, slander, or persecution, our calling is not to retaliate or harbor bitterness, but to represent Christ by responding with love, prayer, and acts of kindness. This is not weakness, but the power of the gospel at work—refusing to let the darkness shape our hearts, but instead shining the light of Christ in the midst of evil. [53:10]
Romans 12:17-21 (ESV)
Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Reflection: Who is someone you find difficult to love or forgive right now, and what is one practical way you can show them Christ’s love this week?
There is a stirring among young people and a call for the whole church to rejoice in and support the next generation as they rise up to carry the mantle of faith. When God moves in the hearts of youth and young adults, it is not a time for jealousy or indifference, but for the entire body to celebrate, encourage, and equip them. Their boldness and passion are signs of a coming awakening, and every generation has a role to play in cheering them on, mentoring, and standing with them as they become world changers for Christ. [41:13]
Psalm 145:4 (ESV)
One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.
Reflection: How can you intentionally encourage, mentor, or pray for a young person in your life this week, helping them to walk boldly in their faith?
The heart of God is moving across generations, stirring both young and old to recognize the urgency of our times. Recent events, such as the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk, have shaken many to their core, exposing the deep spiritual battle raging in our nation and around the world. These moments, while devastating, serve as a wake-up call, revealing the stark contrast between righteousness and wickedness, and calling the church to rise from its slumber. The parables of Jesus, especially the wheat and the tares and the ten virgins, remind us that not everything that happens is God’s will—there is a real enemy at work, sowing seeds of destruction when we are least vigilant. Yet, God’s patience and mercy are evident, as He waits for the seeds of righteousness to mature, longing for all to come to repentance.
As the darkness becomes more visible, so too does the light. The difference between those who walk with Christ and those who reject Him is becoming increasingly clear. The church is being called to awaken, to be filled with the oil of the Holy Spirit, and to live boldly and unafraid in a world that is growing more hostile to truth. This is not a time for passivity or silence; it is a time to engage, to disciple our children, to shape worldviews according to Scripture, and to stand firm in our identity as followers of Jesus above all political or cultural affiliations.
God is raising up a new generation—one that will not be silenced by fear, hatred, or violence. What the enemy meant for evil, God is turning for good, birthing a movement of boldness, truth, and love. The call is clear: do not sleep while the enemy works, do not let your lamp run out of oil, and do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. The sound of the approaching King is growing louder, and now is the time to be ready, to be filled with the Spirit, and to live on mission. Let us pray for awakening, for courage, and for hearts that are wholly devoted to Jesus, so that when He comes, we will be found faithful and full of oil.
Matthew 13:24–30 (ESV) – The Parable of the Weeds — > He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field, but while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away. So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also. And the servants of the master of the house came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have weeds?’ He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ So the servants said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ But he said, ‘No, lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them. Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.’”
Matthew 25:1–13 (ESV) – The Parable of the Ten Virgins — > “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’ And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”
Romans 12:21 (ESV) — > Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
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