The Daily Fountain Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 15 October 2023 – Doing His Will
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TOPIC: Doing His Will
READ: Matthew 21:28-32(NKJV)
- ” But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go, work today in my vineyard.’
- “He answered and said, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he regretted it and went.
- “Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, ‘I [go,] sir,’ but he did not go.
- “Which of the two did the will of [his] father?” They said to Him, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you.
- “For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him; but tax collectors and harlots believed him; and when you saw [it,] you did not afterward relent and believe him.
THE MESSAGE:
In our reading today, Jesus encourages us to think about the consequences of our choices, especially the choices and decisions that will count in eternity. Jesus tells a story of two imperfect sons in order to illustrate the way ofGod’s kingdom. The father in the story amply provided for his sons: Food, lodging, and everything they needed. Everything he had belonged to them as well. He also rewarded his sons with excellent work in his own vineyard and expected them to show him gratitude, loyalty, and honour by doing their fair share of the daily work.
The “rebellious” son told his father to his face that he would not work for him. But afterwards, he changed his mind and did what his father commanded him. The “good” son said he would work for his father, but didn’t carry through. He did his own pleasure contrary to his father’s will. Now who was really the good son? Both sons disobeyed their father; but one repented and did what his father told him. Jesus makes his point clear: Good intentions are not enough; promises don’t also count unless they are kept. God wants to change our ‘hearts so that we will show by our speech and actions that we respect his will and do it. God offers us the greatest treasure possible- unending joy and life with him in his kingdom. We can lose that treasure if we refuse the grace that God offers to us when we. follow in his way of truth and righteousness. Do you respect the will of your Father in heaven?
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, change my heart that I may only desire that which is pleasing to you, Amen.
