Silence and Stillness before God (2 minutes)
Scripture Reading
“Which of the two obeyed his father?”They replied, “The first.”Then Jesus explained his meaning: “I tell you the truth, corrupt tax collectors and prostitutes will get into the Kingdom of God before you do. For John the Baptist came and showed you the right way to live, but you didn’t believe him, while tax collectors and prostitutes did. And even when you saw this happening, you refused to believe him and repent of your sins.
The religious leaders replied, “He will put the wicked men to a horrible death and lease the vineyard to others who will give him his share of the crop after each harvest.” Then Jesus asked them, “Didn’t you ever read this in the Scriptures?‘The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone. This is the Lord’s doing, and it is wonderful to see.’ I tell you, the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a nation that will produce the proper fruit. Anyone who stumbles over that stone will be broken to pieces, and it will crush anyone it falls on.” When the leading priests and Pharisees heard this parable, they realized he was telling the story against them—they were the wicked farmers.
Devotional
Teaching in the temple court, Jesus told the Parable of the Two Sons. He directed the Parable at the temple leaders and asked, “which of the two did what his father wanted?” (Matthew 21:31). The leaders stated the obvious. Jesus answered His own question. Was John’s baptism from heaven or from man? It was from heaven. Those who repented after listening to John showed themselves to be obedient children of God.
The Parable of the Tenants was even more pointed. “When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard Jesus’ parables, they knew he was talking about them” (Matthew 21:45). Clearly, these were Holy rebukes. At the end of the day, we will be judged not only on what we say but also on what we do.
Question to Consider
Read the two parables again and see if you can find yourself in the story.
Prayer
Jesus, help me today to dive deep into your word and learn more about who you are. Help me to be obedient. I pray that my words and my actions will be pleasing to you and point others towards you. That I would reflect your goodness to those you put around me daily.
Conclude with Silence (2 minutes)
The 40 days of decrease blogs have been inspired by the book “40 Days of Decrease” by Alicia Britt Chole.
Expressions from Summerside Community Church 