Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 148 – Matthew 21:28-32 – What The Father Wanted- Growing As Disciples
“What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’ “‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went. “Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go. “Which of the two did what his father wanted?” “The first,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him. Matthew 21:28-32 (NIV)
Reluctant
I have been reluctant. You have been reluctant about what? I have been reluctant to go and do all that you ask of me. Is that what you think? You know that is what I think. Let’s talk about that. I’d like that. Let’s be clear about the first and greatest and most important things that I have asked of you or will ask of anyone else. What’s that? I have asked you and I will ask everyone to come to believe and place all their faith in my Son. I have asked you and I will ask everyone to turn away from their sin to receive the forgiveness and cleansing that they have in my Son’s sacrifice for them on the cross. I have asked you and I will everyone to love and follow and serve my Son as their Savior and Lord. Have you heard me ask these questions of you? Have you had to decide how you will respond to each of these questions? Yes, I have heard all these questions. Yes, I have had to decide how I would respond to each one of these questions. Did you respond reluctantly or slowly to any of these questions? I wouldn’t say that I responded reluctantly or slowly. Neither would I. What would you say? I would say that I have enthusiastically turned away from my sin to receive the forgiveness and cleansing I have in your Son’s sacrifice for me on the cross. I would say that I am passionately following your Son as my Savior and Lord. I would say that I am placing all my faith in Him. I am thankful beyond words for all that you have done, are doing and will do for me. Beyond that I would say that I love you with all my heart and mind and soul and strength. I have heard all these answers from you both loudly and clearly. That’s good. Yes, it is.
Where then is your reluctance? How have you been like a reluctant son? Well, I have not taken on every one of your assignments with great enthusiasm. Sometimes, I have slowly and reluctantly gone and done what you have asked of me. Sometimes, I have wanted you to send someone else. Sometimes, I have wanted you to relieve me of an assignment. What do you want now? I want you to help me to be faithful. I want you to give me boldness and courageous and strength to be able to go and do all that you ask of me. I want you to strengthen my faith so I can say yes to whatever you ask of me. Those are prayers that I will hear and answer. Thank you, so much.
Heavenly Father, I have been that reluctant son. I have been slow to go and do all that you ask of me. But thank you for turning my life around. Thank you for helping me to say yes to you. I will joyfully, thankfully and faithfully go and do all that you ask of me. Amen
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