Scripture

Our verse for today comes from Matthew 21:30, “Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, ‘I go, sir,’ but he did not go.”

Background

When C.S. Lewis was writing his children’s series, The Chronicles of Narnia , supposedly some of his friends and colleagues teased him about being a middle-aged, single man who was writing fantasy books for kids. Their point was that as a lifelong bachelor and renowned professor at the university, Lewis had no experience with kids, and perhaps did not even know a single one, so how could he expect to reach the mind of a child? But Jack, as he preferred to be called, refuted the argument, claiming that he had over time been well-acquainted with some youngsters, including his own brother. And more importantly and to their chagrin, Jack himself had once been a child. So just like each of us, he was able to draw upon his memories and experiences to tap into what might excite and captivate a young reader. And since he was more intelligent and skilled than most of us, and his group of teasers, he was that much more apt to write a series that would end up being as popular as it did.

Application

So, each of us should have no problem associating with the story that Jesus tells here. The dad gives instructions to his two sons, and one says yes but does not go, while the other initially refuses, but then reconsiders and goes. We have each lived through this as a child, certainly, and probably as a parent, too. But don’t dismiss this as a cute, simple story about a kid who eventually does what he should, like picking up his toys or finishing his broccoli. These sons are of the age to go and work in the vineyard. They are able to manage the fields and reap the harvest. And the one who says yes but then disobeys is compared to the religious gurus around Jesus, who He says will be passed by by the prostitutes whose hard hearts are softened by the work of God. It’s a dangerous thing to tell the Lord yes. He has a way of expecting you to do what you said. This week at church we’ve stood and committed to be and do certain things, but will we follow through? If not, you’re better off saying no until your heart is where it needs to be. But if you will, then go, for His vineyard is calling.

Charge

As we seek Him today, ask God to transform your mind so that you will live your life as a living sacrifice, alive to His will and purposes, but dead to the tinsel and trappings of the world.

Salvation – Eternal Life in Less Than 150 Words