Living in the Spirit

September 27, 2020

Scripture Reading:
Matthew 21:23-32

‘What do you think? A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, “Son, go and work in the vineyard today.” He answered, “I will not”; but later he changed his mind and went. The father went to the second and said the same; and he answered, “I go, sir”; but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?’ They said, ‘The first.’ Jesus said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, the tax-collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you. 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 after you saw it, you did not change your minds and believe him.

We never had a vineyard on our farm, but we had a lot of work to do. I love animals and had no problem feeding chickens and milking cows. I hated working in the garden and always trudged dragging my feet and probably whining all the way to planting, hoeing weeds, and harvesting the crops. I did fully appreciate the fruits of our labor.

Truth is, prostitutes and the tax-collectors were probably accustomed to being shunned rather than invited into good company. Having not been welcomed by others, they rightfully were reluctant to accept the invitation to work in an acceptable occupation. Yet, the chance to better their lives won out over their fears of being considered unacceptable, and they discovered the wonder and worth of the fruits of their labor.

Those acknowledged by their community as acceptable may say all the right words but not follow through on their call to do the right thing. Worse yet, they are blind to the hypocrisy of their actions as the weeds overtake the production of fruit.

God’s vineyard requires constant attention by those who agree to bring it to full fruition. The good thing about God’s vineyard is there is such a diversity of work needed, there is a niche that is just right for all of us. All those jobs will include pulling some weeds, but in the harvest, there is enough produce for all to have enough. And God’s primary crop is love.

Prayer: Lord, help us see and understand the hypocrisy of any of our cultural norms regarding the worth of one another that separates us from fulfilling your purpose for our lives and your commandment to always love one another. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.