He Will Hold Me Fast

Good Morning! 

The storms of the early morning gave way to a beautiful Spring day yesterday.  I hope you were able to make good use of the day … getting out from the confines of your house into the fresh air. If not yesterday … do so today.  Take a look at the flowers, the budding trees, and the green, green grass.  It will do your heart good … I promise.

If you haven’t had the opportunity to visit Helenfbc.com, I encourage you to take a few moments to view Resurrection Sunday’s service (04/12/2020).  If you are limited in time, scroll forward to the end … the song after the preaching service … to hear a song of trust in this time of crisis.  The song’s title is “He Will Hold Me Fast”.  The lyric reads:

He Will Hold Me Fast"

When I fear my faith will fail, Christ will hold me fast
When the tempter would prevail, He will hold me fast
I could never keep my hold through life's fearful path
For my love is often cold; He must hold me fast

He will hold me fast, He will hold me fast
For my Savior loves me so, He will hold me fast

Those He saves are His delight, Christ will hold me fast
Precious in His holy sight, He will hold me fast
He'll not let my soul be lost; His promises shall last
Bought by Him at such a cost, He will hold me fast

He will hold me fast, He will hold me fast
For my Savior loves me so, He will hold me fast

For my life He bled and died, Christ will hold me fast
Justice has been satisfied; He will hold me fast
Raised with Him to endless life, He will hold me fast
'Til our faith is turned to sight, When He comes at last!

He will hold me fast, He will hold me fast
For my Savior loves me so, He will hold me fast

He will hold me fast, He will hold me fast
For my Savior loves me so
For my Savior loves me so
He will hold me fast

This song of faith and devotion is not that new.  In fact, its composer, Robert Harkness, lived from 1880-1961 and published the song in 1907.  The lyrics came from a compilation of words by Ada Habersohn given to him at earlier times in their collaborations in hymn writings.  Like many of our hymns of faith, modern tastes in music often lays them aside … only to be rediscovered by groups like the Gettys and Selah. 

Jude, in his general letter to the Church Universal, writes:

Jude 17-25 English Standard Version (ESV)

A Call to Persevere

17 But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. 18 They[a] said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” 19 It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. 20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. 22 And have mercy on those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment[b] stained by the flesh.

Doxology

24 Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, 25 to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time[c] and now and forever. Amen.

Footnotes:

a.     Jude 1:18 Or Christ, because they

b.     Jude 1:23 Greek chiton, a long garment worn under the cloak next to the skin

c.     Jude 1:25 Or before any age

These words of hope and trust remind us that, while we may be separated from one another, we are never alone … for Christ Jesus is able to hold each one of us close to Himself.  The very thought brings tears of gratitude to my eyes.  

He will hold me fast … for my Savior loves me so … He will hold me fast. 

Agape’

Mr. Jim

Prayer: Father, thank You for the words written so many years ago that remind us that You love us so much and will hold each one of us fast in this time of crisis.  In Jesus’ Name … Amen.

Scripture for today: Jude 1

The Storm

Good Morning! 

Last night, daughter Heather came downstairs to set my iphone to alarm should a tornado come through.  The weather forecast was for strong storms to come through in the wee hours of the morning. What neither one of us could know at the time was that I would be fully awake at the time the storms came through Cleveland.  I listened as the wind rose and the rain pelted the porch and the roof of the house.  I got up one time to check outside, observing that I need to clean the front gutters … again.  But, just as the storm rose, it soon passed through … and calm came. 

I don’t need to tell anyone that our earth is in the middle of a gigantic storm. And it is obvious that many are concerned about the future … just check out the empty shelves in the grocery stores. I remember a day when America boasted of its fully stocked shelves … including toilet paper and paper towels.  I reminded my grandchildren that we did not use paper towels when I was a child … too expensive.  We used dishtowels and dishcloths to wipe up messes … and then we washed them and hung them out to dry … on this thing called a clothesline. 

Speaking of the clothesline … when Bruce, Claire and I were children, we spent a large amount of our time at my grandmother’s house on Oakdale Road.  Grandma Ward was the cornerstone of her family … setting a life example that lives even today in the lives of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren … and even beyond.  One of her traits was to care for her family.  She owned a big house that had many bedrooms … enough to house herself, her sister, two cousins … and us.  She also provided shelter for students who were attending Emory University.  Her widowed sister, Aunt Mae, lived with Grandma Ward.  Aunt Mae was legally blind and Grandma took good care of her needs.  Every Monday was wash day.  Grandma did have a washing machine … but no dryer.  She hung the clothes out on a line that stretched from one pecan tree to another pecan.  Aunt Mae wore boxer shorts … which us children made good fun of whenever we saw them hanging out there … but not around Grandma.  We would get a good scolding.

Granddaddy Ward died in July 1939 … just before Social Security began making payments. Grandma’s income came from the rentals she received from the Emory students.  Grandma didn’t have a lot … but what she had, she shared.  When Dad stopped contributing to our care and Mom lost the house on Alder Court, Grandma made room for us … moving into the little apartment that she rented to Emory students.  Somehow, we made do … never missing a meal; always having enough. 

Were there “storms”?  Yes!  But Grandma Ward never allowed a storm to overcome her. She lived by faith.  I guess she had been through enough in her lifetime to know that God was always close by … ready to speak to the storm and say “Peace, be still.”  Grandma taught us all well … passing her faith on to her children … who passed it on to us.  I think of Aunt Jane whose daughter had cystic fibrosis … yet was always ready to come to our aid when needed.  I think of Aunt Bette who raised six children who have demonstrated their strength of character.  And I think of my Mom … and her teachings to Bruce, Claire and myself.  Each one of us have had to step up to help family.  I look at my children who carry those same traits forward … and I thank God … not only for Grandma Ward but also for the storms that she endured by faith.

Storms will come … and storms will pass.  The important thing is to endure through the storm … to trust that God is still stronger than any storm we might go through.  Have faith … this storm will pass and we will be stronger for it.

Agape’

Mr. Jim

Prayer: Father, all of our world is in the throes of a pandemic and we are frightened.  But we know that You are in control … and we place our trust in You to bring us through this storm. We beseech You, dear Father, to strengthen us to stay calm in our storm. In Jesus’ Name … Amen.

Scripture for today: Mark 4:35-40

Passion Week Teachings 5

Good Morning! 

When I began this week, my thinking was that I would breeze through Christ’s teachings.  As you can see, I have gotten hung up on just the teachings Jesus gave to the religious hierarchy … and, yes, these were teachings.  Had the chief priests, the scribes, the Herodians, the Pharisees, and the Sadducees not focused on their hatred of this rebel named Jesus; had they taken the time to think about what the Scriptures they claimed to love so much, might they have not embraced His teachings and seen the richness of God in their own lives.  Instead they chose to reject the Messiah – the very One they awaited.

This morning, Jesus speaks again …

Matthew 23:1-12 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Pharisaism Exposed

23 Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples, 2 saying: “The scribes and the Pharisees have seated themselves in the chair of Moses; 3 therefore all that they tell you, do and observe, but do not do according to their deeds; for they say things and do not do them. 4 They tie up heavy burdens and lay them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are unwilling to move them with so much as a finger. 5 But they do all their deeds to be noticed by men; for they broaden their [a]phylacteries and lengthen the tassels of their garments. 6 They love the place of honor at banquets and the chief seats in the synagogues, 7 and respectful greetings in the market places, and being called Rabbi by men. 8 But do not be called Rabbi; for One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers. 9 Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. 10 Do not be called [b]leaders; for One is your Leader, that is, Christ. 11 But the greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.

Footnotes:

a.     Matthew 23:5 I.e. small cases containing Scripture texts worn on the left arm and forehead for religious purposes

b.     Matthew 23:10 Or teachers

My first thought is to pray … “Lord, reveal to me should I, as a teacher and leader in the Body of Christ, allow myself to think of myself as anything other than Your servant. Correct me, dear Father God, so that I might be an honor to You and an example of You to all You have entrusted to my care.”  

Jesus continued …

Matthew 23:13-36 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Eight Woes

13 “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you shut off the kingdom of heaven from people; for you do not enter in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in. 14 [a]Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense you make long prayers; therefore you will receive greater condemnation.”

15 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you travel around on sea and land to make one proselyte; and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves.”

16 “Woe to you, blind guides, who say, ‘Whoever swears by the temple, that is nothing; but whoever swears by the gold of the temple is obligated.’ 17 You fools and blind men! Which is more important, the gold or the temple that sanctified the gold? 18 And, ‘Whoever swears by the altar, that is nothing, but whoever swears by the offering on it, he is obligated.’ 19 You blind men, which is more important, the offering, or the altar that sanctifies the offering? 20 Therefore, whoever swears by the altar, swears both by the altar and by everything on it. 21 And whoever swears by the temple, swears both by the temple and by Him who dwells within it. 22 And whoever swears by heaven, swears both by the throne of God and by Him who sits upon it.”

23 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier provisions of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others. 24 You blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel!”

25 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside they are full of robbery and self-indulgence. 26 You blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and of the dish, so that the outside of it may become clean also.”

27 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. 28 So you, too, outwardly appear righteous to men, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.”

29 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the monuments of the righteous, 30 and say, ‘If we had been living in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partners with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.’ 31 So you testify against yourselves, that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets. 32 Fill up, then, the measure of the guilt of your fathers. 33 You serpents, you brood of vipers, how will you escape the sentence of hell?

34 “Therefore, behold, I am sending you prophets and wise men and scribes; some of them you will kill and crucify, and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues, and persecute from city to city, 35 so that upon you may fall the guilt of all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. 36 Truly I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation.

My thought is to ask why this pronouncement remains in Scripture.  All these hypocrites are dead … aren’t they?  Wait a minute … human nature continues even today.  It is easy to fall into Satan’s trap of pride.  Don’t we all strive to be “better than” … to be considered as learned or successful or the like?  Sometimes we forget WHOSE we are and focus on WHO we are … and become that which Jesus pronounced woe. 

This is a hard teaching … not the encouraging words that I wish to provide day by day.  But it is one of the more important teachings that I must learn … to remember to Whom I belong. 

As I said, my intent was to breeze through the teachings of Christ … as you can see, that isn’t easy to do.  But I believe the teachings we did look at are important for all who serve Christ. We are all “priests” so to speak, as we bear the message of reconciliation to people around us.  Let us to do so in humility and gratefulness.

Have a blessed Good Friday and a wonderful, though different, Resurrection Day. Remember that Christ died for us that we might become the righteousness of God and Christ rose for us that we might have hope for eternal life in Him.

Agape’

Mr. Jim

Prayer: Father, thank You for touching my life each day. May the words that I key each morning be the words You would have shared with my friends and loved ones. May Jesus be the center of the messages.  And may the joy of being in Christ reign in all.  In Jesus’ Name … Amen.

Scripture for today: Matthew 23:1-36

Passion Week Teachings 3

Good Morning! 

Continuing our study of the teachings of Jesus during Passion Week …

Matthew 22:23-33 English Standard Version (ESV)

Sadducees Ask About the Resurrection

23 The same day Sadducees came to him, who say that there is no resurrection, and they asked him a question, 24 saying, “Teacher, Moses said, ‘If a man dies having no children, his brother must marry the widow and raise up offspring for his brother.’ 25 Now there were seven brothers among us. The first married and died, and having no offspring left his wife to his brother. 26 So too the second and third, down to the seventh. 27 After them all, the woman died. 28 In the resurrection, therefore, of the seven, whose wife will she be? For they all had her.”

29 But Jesus answered them, “You are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God. 30 For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. 31 And as for the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was said to you by God: 32 ‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not God of the dead, but of the living.” 33 And when the crowd heard it, they were astonished at his teaching.

As the religious hierarchy continued its assault on Jesus, they pose this convoluted question.  The interesting factor here comes from the fact that the Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection. Like many today, they believed that life ended when a person’s last breath exited the body.  You live, you die and then nothingness.  Jesus immediately corrects them … pointing out their lack of knowledge. 

I cannot imagine living life with no expectation of eternity.  God has been very good to me all the days of my life … but His Word promises even more to those who believe.  His Word also points to eternal separation from God.  These concepts are taught in the Old Testament. One reference is found in the last chapter of the book of Daniel …

Daniel 12:1-4 English Standard Version (ESV)

The Time of the End

12 “At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book. 2 And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. 3 And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above;[a] and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. 4 But you, Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, until the time of the end. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.”

Footnotes:

a.     Daniel 12:3 Hebrew the expanse; compare Genesis 1:6–8

I look forward to the moment I enter Glory … not pushing it, but knowing that it shall come.  I fully expect to see my loved ones … especially Miss Norma.  But, as Jesus points out, the relationship will be somewhat different … and that’s okay. We will be together again, sharing in worship of our Lord, Christ Jesus.

Today, as we enter the final days of Passion Week, let us remember that Christ is alive and so shall we be.

God bless you on this, another good day in the Lord.

Agape’

Mr. Jim

Prayer: Father, as the song says, I don’t know about tomorrow … but I know You hold my hand and will hold my hand as I go through the end of my earth journey.  Thank You for Your presence this good day.  May the words I speak and actions I take bring glory to You.  In Jesus’ Name … Amen.

Scripture for today: Matthew 22:23-33

Passion Week Teachings 3

Good Morning! 

Continuing our study of the teachings of Jesus during Passion Week …

Matthew 22:15-22 English Standard Version (ESV)

Paying Taxes to Caesar

15 Then the Pharisees went and plotted how to entangle him in his words. 16 And they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully, and you do not care about anyone's opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances.[a] 17 Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” 18 But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? 19 Show me the coin for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius.[b] 20 And Jesus said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” 21 They said, “Caesar's.” Then he said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.” 22 When they heard it, they marveled. And they left him and went away.

Footnotes:

a.     Matthew 22:16 Greek for you do not look at people's faces

b.     Matthew 22:19 A denarius was a day's wage for a laborer

The Pharisees made up the largest denomination within the religious hierarchy of Judaism.  The Herodians, while also a religious faction, were more of a political group that believed in supporting the rule of the Herods – meaning they were often at odds with the Pharisees.  Here we see these two groups coming together to tempt Jesus.  The Pharisees hoped Jesus would support Herod … and thus turn the crowd against Him.  The Herodians hoped Jesus would support the Pharisees … and thus be guilty of sedition.  Jesus’ answer was perfect … things that belonged to Caesar should be paid to him; things that belong to God should be paid to God. 

Keep in mind that one of the tables Jesus overturned was the moneychangers.  Who were they?  The Temple tax could not be paid with Roman coinage.  It had to be exchanged for Jewish currency.  The moneychangers would exchange Roman coinage to Jewish currency … for a “small fee” … that varied from person to person … if you get my meaning.  This practice of cheating is what Jesus objected to when He arrived in Jerusalem.  Hmm … do we have this practice existing today?  Unfortunately, there are those who use our faith for their personal gain.  I am wondering how Jesus would respond to them if He were to return today.  I wonder what awaits them in eternity.

What do we owe our government?  A number of our government’s practices are abhorrent to believers in Christ Jesus.  Yet, we are encouraged to honor those who are in positions of authority over each one of us.  Americans are fortunate to live in a country that is responsive to its people.  It is imperative that we use the power of our vote to elect people to office that honor our God.  It is also imperative that we communicate regularly with those who have been elected to represent us.  This is true on all levels of our government … city, county, state and federal.  This is true whether your political leaning is liberal or conservative or somewhere in the middle. In all things we should honor God by seeking His wisdom in our decisions.

God bless you on this, another good day in the Lord.

Agape’

Mr. Jim

Prayer: Father, we ask that You endow us with wisdom to encourage our leaders in government to honor You with all their decisions.  In Jesus’ Name … Amen.

Scripture for today: Matthew 22:15-22

Passion Week Teachings 2

Good Morning! 

As we continue to look at Jesus’ teachings during Passion Week, we hear one more parable that Jesus told the religious leadership this morning.

Matthew 22:1-14 English Standard Version (ESV)

The Parable of the Wedding Feast

22 And again Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying, 2 “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son, 3 and sent his servants[a] to call those who were invited to the wedding feast, but they would not come. 4 Again he sent other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, “See, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding feast.”’ 5 But they paid no attention and went off, one to his farm, another to his business, 6 while the rest seized his servants, treated them shamefully, and killed them. 7 The king was angry, and he sent his troops and destroyed those murderers and burned their city. 8 Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding feast is ready, but those invited were not worthy. 9 Go therefore to the main roads and invite to the wedding feast as many as you find.’ 10 And those servants went out into the roads and gathered all whom they found, both bad and good. So the wedding hall was filled with guests.

11 “But when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man who had no wedding garment. 12 And he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. 13 Then the king said to the attendants, ‘Bind him hand and foot and cast him into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ 14 For many are called, but few are chosen.”

Footnotes:

a.     Matthew 22:3 Or bondservants; also verses 4, 6, 8, 10

There are two applications that I get from this parable. 

1.      Blind assumption – the religious leaders ASSUMED that they were going to be a part of the “wedding feast” – an allegory to being present with God in heaven.  Thus, they took for granted God’s instructions to use the position He granted them to do their own thing – refusing to hear and obey His call.  They were wrong in their assumption.  One who is called must respond.  WIIFM?  God has called me to Him … first to respond to His offer of salvation through faith in Christ Jesus; second, to carry His message to all.

2.      Incorrect Pretense – here Jesus points to those who respond to the call but do not truly believe. The King ordered his servants to go out and bring in “as many as you find”.  One who came in chose to attend but to not dress for the event.  Here, I believe Jesus is speaking of many who hear the message; come to hear the teachings; and pretend to respond … but have no change in their lives.  The King knows who is worthy and who is not … and casts the unworthy out.  WIIFM? I do not pretend to know the hearts of those who attend church or claim to be Christian … only God does know and He still seeks them – but He knows they may never choose to believe in Christ.  On a personal level, I should be aware of the genuine nature of my faith in Christ Jesus so there is no incorrect pretense.

Why this message this morning?  Jesus spent His last week on Earth to call people to hear the Truth.  Should we not also?  Jesus is the only hope for humankind to be reunited with God in Glory.  Use this week to not only celebrate His death and resurrection but also to share His story with those around you.

Agape’

Mr. Jim

Prayer: You have called us, dear Father, to serve as Your ambassadors. Open our eyes to the needs of those around us that we might tell the great story of Jesus to those who do not know Him.  Use us as You have chosen so that our lives will be a sweet aroma to You.  Keep our focus, dear Father, on the task at hand. Let us be a glory to You in Christ. In Jesus’ Name … Amen.

Scripture for today: Matthew 22:1-14

Passion Week Teachings 1

Good Morning! 

Passion Week!  For believers, this week is both a wake and a celebration.  We began the week with Jesus entering Jerusalem, riding on a donkey as prophesied (Zechariah 9:9). According to Matthew, Jesus makes His way to the Temple where He sees the merchants there, misusing the laws regarding sacrifices to cheat pilgrims.  Angered, Jesus throws a righteous fit, overturning the tables of the moneychangers and denouncing the practice. He then returned to Bethany for the night.  The next day He returned to Jerusalem. 

This morning, I want to take a look at Jesus’ teachings on Monday of this pivotal week in history from the perspective of Matthew … primarily because Matthew writes his gospel account to the Jews, pointing to Jesus as the Messiah.  So, let’s take a look in Matthew 21:23-46:

The Authority of Jesus Challenged

23 And when he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came up to him as he was teaching, and said, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” 

24 Jesus answered them, “I also will ask you one question, and if you tell me the answer, then I also will tell you by what authority I do these things. 25 The baptism of John, from where did it come? From heaven or from man?” 

And they discussed it among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ 26 But if we say, ‘From man,’ we are afraid of the crowd, for they all hold that John was a prophet.” 27 So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.”

And he said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.

Keep in mind that, in the minds of the priests and elders of the people, the Temple was THEIR domain. People couldn’t just come and go as they liked. To enter certain parts of the Temple, one had to be a pure blood Jewish male. Other parts were set aside for their wives and daughters.  If you were a convert to Judaism, you were kept in the outer part of the Temple.  Most of the teaching of Jesus take place in the outer courtyard.  Still, the priests and elders demanded one have authority to speak.  Imagine if you were to go to the State Capitol building in Atlanta to hold a rally … you better have a permit or you are going to be told to move along.  This is what is happening  to Jesus.

If anyone OWNED the Temple, it was Jesus – God Incarnate.  Imagine if He were to come right out and tell these pretenders Who He really was.  “I am and that gives me all authority.”  We see in John’s gospel what happens when He proclaims “I am” … all the troops sent to arrest Him fall to the ground.  But Jesus chooses not to make that proclamation.  He asks them a question about John, the Baptizer.  And that is when it becomes clear that they are pretenders … afraid to give a straight answer because of the political implications.  So … Jesus gives two teachings:

The Parable of the Two Sons

28 “What do you think? A man had two sons. And he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ 29 And he answered, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he changed his mind and went. 30 And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered, ‘I go, sir,’ but did not go. 31 Which of the two did the will of his father?” 

They said, “The first.”

Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you. 32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. And even when you saw it, you did not afterward change your minds and believe him.

The Parable of the Tenants

33 “Hear another parable. There was a master of a house who planted a vineyard and put a fence around it and dug a winepress in it and built a tower and leased it to tenants, and went into another country. 34 When the season for fruit drew near, he sent his servants[a] to the tenants to get his fruit. 35 And the tenants took his servants and beat one, killed another, and stoned another. 36 Again he sent other servants, more than the first. And they did the same to them. 37 Finally he sent his son to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ 38 But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and have his inheritance.’ 39 And they took him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. 40 When therefore the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?”

 41 They said to him, “He will put those wretches to a miserable death and let out the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the fruits in their seasons.”

42 Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures:

“‘The stone that the builders rejected
    has become the cornerstone;[b]
this was the Lord's doing,
    and it is marvelous in our eyes’?

43 Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits. 44 And the one who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him.”[c]

45 When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they perceived that he was speaking about them. 46 And although they were seeking to arrest him, they feared the crowds, because they held him to be a prophet.

Footnotes:

a.     Matthew 21:34 Or bondservants; also verses 35, 36

b.     Matthew 21:42 Greek the head of the corner

c.     Matthew 21:44 Some manuscripts omit verse 44

No one enjoys facing the truth about themselves.  And these religious leaders, when they perceived that Jesus was talking about their failure to actually do the work that God had appointed them to do, they became enraged.  Rather than respond by repenting and hearing God speak to them, they sought to arrest and to kill.  But they were afraid to do so openly.

What about me?  Are there times when God speaks truth to me about who I really am? How do I respond?  Do I repent, seek forgiveness and cleansing … or do I make excuse or try to run from that truth?  If I am to grow in Christ, I must realize what I am (a sinner, redeemed by grace); agree with God that I am wrong; turn to Him and ask for Him to make me whole again. 

He has promised that He will … 1^st John 1:5-10

Agape’

Mr. Jim

Prayer: Father, thank You for reminding this “leader” of his need to walk in Your way and not his own.  Thank You for reminding me that I am YOUR possession … and not vice versa.  Teach me to be aware of when I fail … and give me the courage to seek You in those times so that I might be restored.  In Jesus’ Name … Amen.

Scripture for today: Matthew  21:23-46