Matthew 13 Genesis 14

Matthew 13

Opposition was growing all around Jesus.  He knew his life was in danger, but would be protected until he had fulfilled his duty.  His followers, however, didn't have that luxury.  Because of those against Jesus, he began teaching in parables.  This chapter is full of parables that warn us and teach us.  The parable of the sower tells us that many of those who hear the Word of God will either turn away when life gets difficult or get too wrapped up in wealth and lies.  We are to hear the Word of God, understand it, and apply it to our lives.
The parable of the weeds explains that the good crop and the weeds will grow together to be separated at harvest time.  I assumed this meant the Godly men and women live with those who will not enter heaven.  He tells the parable of the mustard seed and of the yeast.  Then we hear an explanation of the parable of the weeds. 
The parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl tell us to give up everything we have so we can receive the kingdom of God.  If anything is holding us back from God, get rid of it.  The parable of the net tells us that when Christ returns, all will be gathered like fish in a net.  The bad will be thrown back.

Jesus ends this chapter by saying, "Only in his hometown and in his own house is a prophet without honor."  It is difficult sometimes to explain our feelings or share our ideas with our families.  Sometimes it is much easier to share with the world than to face those who know us the best.  This may be because they will hold us accountable, or perhaps because we care what they think more than strangers.  In Jesus' case, perhaps they simply didn't think he was as great as he was because they thought he was one of them.

Genesis chapter 14
As we move back into the Old Testament we come to one of my biggest challenges last time I tried to read the entire Bible.  This chapter begins with background information of which king ruled which place, and who was at war with each other.  I get lost because I can't pronouce their names, and I have no idea where some of these places are since they no longer exist.

Basically, I think, the king of Sodom, the king of Gomorrah, and a few more kings went to war against some other kings.  They lost.  When they lost, Lot was captured.  Abram found out and gathered his own little army from his household.  They attacked and rescued Lot and all of Lot's possessions.  The king of Sodom was all happy that Abram won, so he came and offered gifts to him.  Abram refused them saying that all he needed were the gifts from God.  He didn't want the king to be able to say it was because of him that Abram was rich, rather than God.

Until tomorrow....