March 2

Matthew 21:33-46 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:

Journal Entry

Scripture

34When the season for fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants to get his fruit. 35 And the tenants took his servants and beat one, killed another, and stoned another. 36 Again he sent other servants, more than the first. And they did the same to them. 37Finally he sent his son to them, saying, 'They will respect my son.'

Observation

Verse 45 makes clear the message of Jesus’ parable—the chief priests and Pharisees would be judged for their repeated rejection of God’s prophets (i.e., the master’s servants in the parable) and, eventually, God’s Son. What is striking is that the judgment is preceded by repeated attempts by the master to retrieve his fruit in the most gracious way. He gives the tenants chance after chance, sending at least seven of his servants and eventually his own son, in the hope that they would respond to his plea. But, not only did the tenants not respond, they outright rejected it. Although the master’s judgment was slow, it was eventual.

Application

I realize the implication of this parable—there is only a window of opportunity to receive the gospel of Christ. And while that window is open, God gives fallen humanity chance after chance to receive him. But, eventually, God closes the window and judges all who repeatedly reject Him. Indeed, God’s judgment is slow, but it is eventual.

Although I realize what is at stake, I often live with little or no sense of urgency for my unbelieving family and friends to receive Christ. What I’m waiting for, I don’t know. Why I don’t pray more desperately, I have no idea. What’s wrong with my soul that I should be so tranquil, all the while knowing the eternal future of loved ones who do not know Jesus?

I will respond to the Holy Spirit’s prompting by renewing my commitment to pray for […]’s salvation and share the message of God's love with him again today.

Prayer

Lord, forgive me. My heart has grown cold. Let me be desperate to see the lost saved. I pray especially for […]. Help him to see how sinful he is, yet how unconditionally loved he is by you. And, cause his heart to receive you by faith, trusting you for the forgiveness of sin and the gift of eternal life. He has so much pain and anger, but reveal yourself true that he may love you and give you his life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

--P. Michael Lee