The Pumpkin Parable

1 Corinthians 15:49

God’s kingdom is like a pumpkin which a man took, carved an image in, put light inside and set up for all to see.

At this time of year, people harvest pumpkins clean them out, carve the image they want on them, and put light in them for all to see. The LORD Jesus Christ finds people like pumpkins. They are cut by the sharp word of God. They are cleaned up inside and out. They’re given a new image – Christ’s image. Light is put inside of them for all to see the image.

Cut into the pumpkin as the word of God cuts into your conscience

(sword of the Spirit is the word of God, word of God sharper than double-edged sword dividing thoughts and intents of the heart)
The first encounter with God’s words can be critical. It hurts because it touches something that is sensitive and not right about your life.
The first encounter with God’s words can be kind. It pierces your heart because you see the goodness of Jesus Christ in someone’s life.

Clean the inside out

(Luke 11:39-42)
Those private thoughts you’re not proud of. Those thoughts you feel safe thinking because no one is watching. Yes, those need to be replaced with thoughts about how I can love someone better. How can I behave wisely around the opposite sex instead of fantasizing about them or getting with them?
The malice and anger at someone that you cover with a smile, but seethe in when you’re away from them.

Carve out the image desired

1 Corinthians 15:49 as we have born the image of the earthly we must also bear the image of the heavenly
Put on the new man.
In Christianity, the image is spiritual, not physical. Did Jesus have black hair? It doesn’t matter. Did Jesus have blue eyes, green eyes, or brown eyes? It doesn’t matter. Was Jesus short or tall? It doesn’t matter. Did Jesus go about doing good? Yes. That matters.

Put the light inside

Ephesians 5:8 For you were sometimes darkness, but now you’re light in the Lord: walk as children of light
Longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, love meekness, temperance, joy, humility, and peace.

Set it in a place for all to see

Matthew 5:16 Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father
Now you may have realized that you cannot bear the fruit of the Spirit, you cannot be light to the world if you refuse to be around people.
The gospel demands social presence and hospitality.

The Pumpkin Parable