Daily Devotion, September 22, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Matthew 21:28-32.

This scripture comes right in the middle of a fairly long confrontation between Jesus and the leaders of Jerusalem – the chief priests and the elders of the people. This is the first of three parables intended to give them a message. The father represents God. The first son represents the tax collectors & prostitutes. They said no to God initially, but when they heard the message of the kingdom, they changed their minds and began to do God’s will. The second son represents the chief priests & elders. They said yes to God, but when they heard the message, they did not do what they said they would. The point of this parable is pretty clear. Those who refuse God but later repent and obey, like the first son, will go into the kingdom.  They will go in before those who say yes, but don’t obey God, like the second son. Jesus was indicating that those religious leaders won’t get in at all unless they repent.

Jesus is really challenging us in this gospel. Many of us have said yes to God by our baptism and membership in the Church, but can we say that we always carry out what God is calling us to do? Do we think that because we are church going Christians that we are in a 1st class position?

Personal Worship Option:

Dear God, help us to listen and be willing to do your will. Continue to teach us the way to live the life that you intended for us. Open our eyes to see those around us who desperately need you and give us the tools to encourage them. Thank you for all of your blessings. Amen.