BY: Pastor Bob Miller
SCRIPTURE:
Matthew 21: 33-34
33 “Listen to another parable: There was a landowner who planted a vineyard.
He put a wall around it, dug a winepress in it, and built a watchtower. Then
he rented the vineyard to some farmers and moved to another place. 34 When the harvest time approached, he sent his servants to the tenants to collect his fruit.
OBSERVATION:
Jesus paints a picture for us of all that God has done for us. Before He ever brought us into His vineyard…he planted it, protected it, built a winepress for it, and provided a home. He then gave it to us to work and He moved away. He entrusted us to accomplish His purposes. I think that we tend to interpret “God’s silence” as “His neglect” – when in reality He has given us everything we need to succeed and He is demonstrating His deep Trust in us and in His provision for us. It is not neglect at all. At harvest time he will come to collect His fruit!
APPLICATION:
I tend to forget how much God has done to bless me and provide for
me and to TRUST in me! He doesn’t constantly “look over my shoulder” to condemn me or to “correct” my every error. He is present to hear my prayers and to provide constant wisdom. He has given me His Word and His Spirit. I have been provided with everything so that when He comes at the Harvest to collect His fruit – there will be a bountiful crop! My forgetfulness can be “measured” in my thanklessness and in my failure to use the fulness of His resources.
PRAYER:
“Thank you Lord, for your bountiful provisions and your wonderful love!
What a privilege to work in your vineyard and to be entrusted to carry out your will. May I be faithful to the trust you have shown me and then present to you a bountiful harvest!
Amen