28) But what do you think? A man had two sons. He went to the first and said, "My son, do, work in the vineyard today."
29) He answered, "I don't want to!" Yet later changed his minded went.
30) Then the man went to the other and said the same thing. "I will, sir." He answered. But he didn't go.
31) "Which of the two did his father's will?" "The first," they said. Jesus said to them, "I assure You: Tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you!
32) For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you didn't believe him. Tax collectors and prostitutes did believe him, but you, when you saw it didn't even change your minds then and believe him.
In listening to my pastor preach on this passage I found myself to be convicted. I am often the second son, polite and so outwardly well-intentioned to obey My Father and yet I get no further than the next item of my day than I have either talked myself out of what I think I heard God say to me or I rationalize it away with the thoughts that I cannot do it and surely He would not want me to.
I spend so much of my time thinking about what I think I need to do rather than doing it!! Forgive me, Jesus! I also spend a great deal of time wondering why I am who I am and why I don't do things the way others do! I realize it is ridiculous, particularly as I confess it to you. But the Word says in James 5:16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The urgent request of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect.
I desperately want to be an obedient child of my Father. One that trusts in Him to make the difference rather than constantly evaluating what I should or should not be doing. I want to remember:
Colossians 3:1-2 (NIV)
1) "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, see your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
2) Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
What about you? Do you see yourself in the parable above about the two sons? What is God calling us to do? Will we do it?
Father, forgive me for so often making the statement that I am going to obey You and yet not following through. I ask You to give me ears to hear You and to walk in Your Ways not turning to the right or to the left or even hightailing it in the other direction. Please, through give me Your Strength, Jesus, to not get stalled looking at what I think or what I have or have not done but to fix my eyes on You and take the next step of obedience. Forgive me, Father, for not trusting You to truly have me and instead trusting in my own thoughts. I pray that all who share in this journey Your way with me, Father, will confess to and pray for one another so that we may be healed. I want to know the powerful effect of meeting with You and being changed. May we reach out to those who are hurting and share our own struggles when it would be a benefit and may we share the hope that You have given us with those who do not know You. Thank You for never being willing to leave me where I am, but constantly convicting, challenging and changing me. I want to step out of Your way and bring You glory, Lord. Thank You that You have made me to be who I am. I submit myself to You once again and ask You to be my Lord and have Your way in me and through me. It is all because of You, Jesus, thank You.
