Thursday, April 7, 2011

Matthew 21:33-45


READ IT HERE

Post by Amy Whiting


“R. E. S. P. E. C. T., find out what it means to me.”

I dare you to go back and read this whole chapter again with the filter: how Jesus found the religious people operating – the people who were meant to be representing God to the world around them. You see a tale of people who abuse their power to put up barriers, alienate and profit themselves.

In this final story Jesus reminds them (the chief priests and Pharisees– see vs 45 – they knew it was aimed at them) but also us of the serious nature of our life calling – to be ones who work in his field. We work in it...but it is not ours...it is His field, His resources, His profit, His glory.

The haunting line – “Surely they will respect my son”

Respect (transitive verb) [respects, respecting, respected]

1. Esteem somebody or something
to feel or show admiration and deference towards somebody or something

2. Not go against or violate something
to pay due attention to and refrain from violating something

3. Be considerate towards somebody or something
to show consideration or thoughtfulness in relation to somebody or something

“Surely they will respect my Son.”

God resources and entrusts us with His field – with showing others what it means to love God in the way we live - we are His representation in the world and we will be held accountable for it. Are we living like that?

"This is the way it is with you. God's kingdom will be taken back from you and handed over to a people who will live out a kingdom life.”

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