Day 14 – Obedience

“But what do you think about this? A man with two sons told the older boy, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today”. Matthew 21:28

Jesus returned to teach at the Temple he cleared out and was challenged on His authority by the Pharisees. Jesus answered with the parable of the two sons instructed by their father to go and work in the vineyard. Albeit Jesus explained the parable to them that the tax collectors and the prostitutes initially would not serve God. However, like the first son, they later repented and now are serving Him. In contrast, those religious leaders are like the second son, professing to serve God but really failing to do so. They talked the talk but did not walk the walk.

We, who stand in ministry, have been ordained by God to work in His vineyard and even if we were like the first son, rebelling against it at first, we did obey. May we never be like the second son, saying we will but leaving the harvest to rot? To me, the words “Go out and work in the vineyard today” are a command. We should adhere in obedience and make the daily choice: are we the first or second son? Do you fall in the first category who understands that Jesus redeemed you and although you are a sinner, your obedience is an act of worship and thanksgiving? Or are you categorized in the second where you think because of your spiritual office you are exempt from working in God’s garden?

Prayer: Father, thank You for showing us this command. I know we can be hardheaded like the Israelites at times, but we obey Your Word and do what You expect us to do in the vineyard. I pray, that none of my brethren ever be like the second son and that the importance of Your Word will ever be on our hearts. Thank You, Lord, for giving us divine opportunities in Your vineyard to expand the Kingdom of Heaven. Amen.