He then began to speak to them in parables: “A man planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a pit for the winepress and built a watchtower. Then he rented the vineyard to some farmers and went away on a journey. At harvest time he sent a servant to the tenants to collect from them some of the fruit of the vineyard.
Pastor Russ Belmont
Calvary Baptist Church (Concord)
God provides everything needed to produce good fruit. Look at the vineyard the landowner (God) prepares for the tenant farmer: he provides protection, production equipment and security to produce good fruit. It is comforting to know that God has a plan and purpose for our lives.
In this parable of the tenant farmer, Jesus showed that Israel had killed and rejected past prophets and that Israel would soon kill and reject the Son of God. This rejected stone would, however, become the chief cornerstone of God’s Kingdom. This parable was directed to the chief priests, teachers of the law and the elders. By what we read in Mark 11:27, we know that they struggled with giving Christ authority in their lives.
What are different ways we struggle with giving God authority in our lives? How are we like the Pharisees? What obstacles get in our way of giving back to God what he has already given to us?
Is it by retaining control and believing that my way is the only way?
Do I prefer to live legalistically rather than gracefully?
Am I willing to trust the truth of the scriptures 100% at all times?
Do I think that the gifts I have been given are for me alone?
Am I willing to be changed and transformed by Christ?
Lord, I don’t want to be religious; I want to be in a relationship with you. I want to be able to accept your plans and purpose for my life so that you can be glorified.
Wow. It's Quiet Here...
What do you hear God saying?