´That is how it will be in the conclusion of the system of things: the angels will go out and separate the wicked from among the righteous´ Matthew 13:49 (Reference Bible)
In Matthew 13 verses 41 to 51, once again Jesus uses the words; ¨the kingdom of heaven is like.¨ He gently instructs us on how things are on a larger and more infinite scale than what we typically see during our short lifetimes and through our limited experience.
Here He uses an illustration to help us make the jump from what we know and understand, upwards and into the light of spiritual things. He likens the end of our known current reality to fishes brought in with the nets. Some that are found worthy to be kept are separated from the ones which are not.
Curiously the words used are righteous and wicked, which some may be tempted into a trap by making it a question of good deeds or ¨works¨. We can brace ourselves against this simple mistake by remembering that we have ALL fallen short. So instead we are freer to step forward in faith in Jesus, knowing that the ¨righteous¨, will be those found so fully wrapped up in Him, that His righteousness covers our own insufficiency.
What an unpleasant thought it is to consider that not all people will be accepted in the end. But however disappointing it may be, worse still it would be, if some were forced to be included against their wishes. We all have the same blessings offered to us, some choose to have their reward in Jesus, and others prefer to turn their backs on that and take what they can for themselves now.
In any case, all us ¨fishes¨ are preparing ourselves for one basket or the other. You and I have the chance still, to reserve ourselves for our Savior´s basket. Or we can push off the importance of that event and therefore leave ourselves with all the other fish who have a different basket awaiting them.
However the point that gives this parable significance to us is what Jesus asks in verse 51.
¨Have you understood all this?¨ (Byington)
Whenever Jesus takes the time to stop and direct our attention again to what He just said, we would do well to take note.
There are many truths that Jesus shares and we store them up like building blocks. But there are points where Jesus wants to be sure that we are understanding, or at least taking seriously. So when He checks that we are paying attention, let us make it of dire importance to come closer, focus our hearts and seek His personal goal in instructing us on this point.
Perhaps our hearts need to know the weight of importance He is putting on the moment. Perhaps we need to take it more seriously that He is making a distinction between one fish and the other and we need to learn from Him for ourselves which basket we are headed for. Perhaps even the oldest and most dedicated Christian needs to return to Jesus today, because the question has been placed before us again.
Dear Lord, we may answer with the disciples and say that we understood your illustration, but for your question of whether or not we understood, we halter. You have made a point to ask us again and so our hearts press on a little closer to You. We would hear your further encouraging and the weight You would place upon it. We understand that You are making this personal between You and I and that you want us clarify just what it is that we are considering. Please direct us in following Your great heart and giving all the importance to the instructions You are giving us. Do this we pray so that nothing is lost unto us and most importantly, we are found in Your basket on that day.
In Your name we pray,
Amen
Scott W
Searching For Christ 
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