Yes Or No| A SOAP devotional, By Pastor Jamie

Matthew 21:28-32- “But what do you think about this? A man with two sons told the older boy, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ 29 The son answered, ‘No, I won’t go,’ but later he changed his mind and went anyway. 30 Then the father told the other son, ‘You go,’ and he said, ‘Yes, sir, I will.’ But he didn’t go. 31 “Which of the two obeyed his father?” They replied, “The first.” Then Jesus explained his meaning: “I tell you the truth, corrupt tax collectors and prostitutes will get into the Kingdom of God before you do. 32 For John the Baptist came and showed you the right way to live, but you didn’t believe him, while tax collectors and prostitutes did. And even when you saw this happening, you refused to believe him and repent of your sins."

In further response to the religious leaders questioning Jesus' authority Jesus told a parable about the meaning of genuine obedience. One son said "yes" to his father, but didn't do as he had committed. The other son, however, said "no" to his father, but then did as he had asked. Jesus equated that with people who knew they were sinners, repented, and went in a new direction with God's forgiveness and help versus those who claimed to know and follow God, but then put up barriers making it more difficult for others to experience the God's grace and mercy.

When I was a kid one time (and only one time!), my father asked me to take out the garbage. I said, "Of course!" as I continued to stay seated watching my TV program. A little while later my dad wondered if I had perhaps not heard his very clear request: "Yes, I will get right on that," I said, but I still didn't actually get up and take the garbage out. When he came back from working in the garage to discover I still hadn't obeyed him, you can imagine how sweetly and delicately the third (and I assure you final!) request was made. I said, "Oh, you mean to do it- like- now? Got it." I had said "yes," but my actions revealed I meant "no." It's good to evaluate ourselves by asking if our actions are in line with our stated commitment to follow Jesus. The religious leaders sensed no need on their part for repentance. The fact is the longer we follow Jesus the more important such an evaluation is to our discipleship, so that we don't ever take our need for mercy and grace for granted.

Dear God, You are Holy and Righteous; please draw us closer to You as we continue to recognize our deep need for our repentance in response to Your amazing love. Let the undying flame of Your presence burn brightly within our hearts, which will mean require us to not set up inappropriate barriers that make it more difficult for others to experience Your grace and mercy. Let us be on fire with love for You, love for Your world, and love for the people in our sphere of influence today. Help us be a church that welcomes all people and sets the table for anyone and everyone to follow You. Amen.

 

"But when the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with such scum?" When Jesus heard this, he said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor- sick people do.” Then he added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.” (Matthew 9:11-13),

 

Pastor Jamie

 

 

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