Thursday, October 10, 2013
Matthew 21:28-32 "But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, 'Son, go, work today in my vineyard.' "He answered and said, 'I will not,' but afterward he regretted it and went. "Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, 'I go, sir,' but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?"
LORD, LET MY "YES" BE "YES"
It's lost in the translation, but the father in Jesus' parable spoke to both of his children in loving terms. "My little child, I need your help, go out and work for me today in the vineyard."
The first son's response was a slap in the face. He didn't say, "Would you excuse me, I'm tired" but flatly and defiantly refused, saying, "No, I will not." Afterward he regretted his refusal and showed it by going out to work.
The second son's response was positive. He said, "Yes sir, I'm on my way!" We can almost picture him breaking into a trot and grabbing a hoe on the way out the door. He never made it.
Which of the two did his father's will? The answer is obvious, isn't it? It was the son who, despite his original refusal, went out to work.
In Jesus' parable the first son resembled the tax collectors and sinners of the day. While they had first rejected the Father's message of reconciliation, they repented and followed Jesus. They did not continue in their former lives, but trusting in Jesus found forgiveness and strength to serve him. They told others what Jesus did for them.
In Jesus' parable the second son resembled the religious leaders of the day. They were the original "yes" men, but what little work they did was not for Him, but themselves. They opposed the prophets and even the Savior. Even when they saw the effect that the gospel had on sinners, they still opposed Him.
God our Heavenly Father invites us to go and to work for Him in His vineyard. He asks us to take Christ and what He has done with us wherever we go. He empowers us with the message we are to proclaim: "Jesus Christ was crucified for sinners!" He asks us to tell the world about what God has prepared for them in Christ.
God help us to be faithful children of God who willingly go forth and speak His Word!
