The Righteous Judge

Psalm 9

A few days ago I was talking with my daughter Lucy, and we were discussing how so often in society today it seems that the wicked have the upper hand.  So often they get away with their evil ways, and unfortunately good people are afraid to speak up.  It was very discouraging.  However, my discouragement was short-lived as I turned to study this psalm for today’s study.  Our psalm for this week, one written by King David, praises the Lord as the Righteous Judge.  Though the wicked may seem to be on the top now, God will bring them to judgment.  Let’s take a look at our Scripture.

Many of the years of King David’s reign were spent in battle as he defended his country against military attacks by surrounding enemy nations.  This psalm appears to have been written following a significant victory that God had given him over these enemies.  We see here that God will ultimately judge evil, and He will vindicate those who trust in Him.

As was often the case in the psalms that David wrote, he begins with praise to God, this time for a military victory (vs. 1-2).  He isn’t bragging about his military skills.  Instead, David praises God for His intervention and righteous rule.  True worship will be centered on God, not on ourselves, our personal feelings, or in circumstances.  Many Christians will praise the Lord when things go well, but are quick to complain when difficulties arise.  David would begin praising God before discussing any of his problems.  He knew that any victory belonged to the Lord (vs. 3-6).  When enemies fall it is because of God’s presence, His judgment, and His power.  Whenever we fight a spiritual battle, the victory comes from God, not ourselves.

We see several important truths in this psalm.  One truth is that God’s reign is eternal (vs. 7).  Earthly kingdoms and empires rise and fall.  We see that throughout all of history, such as the Egyptian Empire, the Babylonian and Persian Empires, and the Roman Empire.  However, God’s throne remains forever.  He rules over nations, kings, and history (Daniel 4:35; Isaiah 46:9-10).  Another is that God’s judgment is righteous (vs. 8).  Human judges may be corrupt or mistaken, but God never is.  His judgments are perfect, just, and holy.

A third truth is that God is a refuge for His people (vs. 9-10).  The Lord is like a secure fortress or stronghold that believers can turn to when surrounded by trouble (Nahum 1:7).  Having God as a refuge doesn’t mean that storms, trials, or problems won’t come.  However, in the refuge God will strengthen our faith to protect us.  He may not prevent our struggles or problems, but He will safely carry us through them.  God does have the ability to lessen these problems intensity and duration if He chooses.  He is in control, and will allow nothing in our life that doesn’t carry the ability to form us more into His image.  The world often appears unfair, but this psalm reminds us that God sees everything, and He will judge rightly.

David continues by declaring how God cares for the afflicted (vs. 11-14).  The wicked will ignore people who are suffering, but God doesn’t.  He remembers the oppressed and needy (Psalm 34:17).  There may be times when we feel that people have forgotten us, but we are never forgotten by God.  The Lord doesn’t forget His children, and neither does He forget what the wicked have done, particularly against Him and His children (vs. 15-18).  We read here that frequently they will fall into their own traps.  Though many people today deny that there is eternal punishment, verse 17 strongly affirms the reality of divine judgment and of hell.  Jesus spoke of the reality of hell several times (Matthew 25:46; Mark 9:43-48).  People and nations that reject God may prosper for a time, but no one can escape His judgment forever.

The psalm concludes with a prayer for God’s glory, His justice, and His rule to be recognized (vs. 19-20).  People and nations might imagine themselves to be self-sufficient, but God’s judgments remind us of our weakness and dependence upon Him.

In closing, our Psalm reminds us that God is righteous, sovereign, faithful, and just, and believers can confidently trust Him in every circumstance.  When we know that He is loving, kind, and gentle, we can entrust our hearts fully to Him.  If we don’t believe that, we struggle to trust Him.  God will never forsake those who trust in Him.  We should always remember that, even when evil seems to prosper and justice appears delayed, God is still on His throne.  His timing may not always be our timing, but His faithfulness never fails.  God will never abandon those who seek Him.

Faithful to His Promises

Isaiah 25:1-9

Our Scripture to start this week off is a wonderful message from the Prophet Isaiah.  Instead of a message of judgment or one of urging the people to get back on the right track with God, Isaiah records blessings that he saw for God’s people in the future, one that looks beyond God’s judgment upon the nations to His future kingdom blessings.  It is a message that anticipates the future Millennial Kingdom of Christ, and ultimately God’s final victory over death.

Isaiah opens this passage with his praise and worship of the Lord, not just for what He has done in the past, but also for what He has promised in the future, events that the prophet is certain God will accomplish.  God’s “counsels of old” refer to His eternal plans and decrees (vs. 1).  Isaiah knows that the Lord is sovereign, and that whatever He foretells is certain to happen.  He knows and can trust that God is perfectly faithful.  Today we look back and see that the prophecies concerning Jesus’ first coming were literally fulfilled.  Therefore, we can expect the prophecies concerning His second coming and kingdom will be fulfilled literally, as well.  True worship grows from recognizing God’s faithfulness.

Though the city in verse 2 is not specifically identified, it can represent mankind’s rebellious world system.  Its destruction depicts the downfall of proud human civilizations that oppose God.  No earthly power can ultimately stand against God.

Isaiah proceeds to tell us that God is a refuge for the afflicted (vs. 3-5).  In contrast to the destruction of the proud, God will protect the humble, the poor, the needy, and distressed.  The Lord repeatedly demonstrates His concern for those who trust in Him, and promises to be a divine refuge in trouble.  Believers today know that Jesus remains a refuge during trials, persecution, and the uncertainty of this world.

Next we read of Isaiah’s prophecy of the great Messianic banquet (vs. 6).  The mountain refers to Mount Zion in Jerusalem, and looks ahead to the reign of the Messiah Jesus.  This feast symbolizes joy, fellowship, victory, abundance, and peace, and is connected to the future Messianic Kingdom after Jesus returns.  We see references to this great banquet several times in the New Testament.  Jesus speaks of it in Matthew 8:11, and the Apostle John had visions of it in Revelation 19:9.  God’s future for His people is not sorrow but celebration.

God has also promised to remove all spiritual blindness on earth (vs. 7).  The “covering” represents the spiritual blindness and ignorance that has affected humanity since the Fall of Adam.  There is a veil of ignorance and evil that covers the world, blinding us to God’s love.  Selfishness, greed, and desire for power obscure our vision, making us unable to clearly see God (II Corinthians 4:3-4).  Left to ourselves we experience only darkness, confusion, and despair.  God will not leave us hopeless.  His love can remove whatever blinds us, and reveal His truth.

Isaiah continues by prophesying the Lord’s victory over death (vs. 8).  Death had entered the world through sin (Romans 5:12), but here we see God promising its ultimate defeat.  Paul also quoted this verse in I Corinthians 15:54.  The resurrection of Jesus guarantees the future resurrection of believers (John 11:25-26).  As followers of Jesus, we have an amazing hope.  The hope of eternal life, and the hope that one day we will see God the Father face to face.  On that day, when death is swallowed up, He will wipe every tear away from our face (Revelation 21:4).  For believers, death is not the end.  Jesus Christ has conquered the grave!

Our Scripture closes with the joyful expectation of God’s people (vs. 9).  The redeemed recognize that God has fulfilled everything that He has promised. Twice we read “we have waited for him”.  God’s people throughout time have lived in expectation.  Abraham waited, David waited, the prophets waited, and believers today also wait.  At this time Isaiah prophesies that our faith will become sight, and our hope will become reality.

As followers of Jesus, we can praise the Lord, as we know that He is faithful to every promise He has made.  We can turn to Jesus in times of distress, and take comfort in His victory over death.  Throughout Scripture God’s people are characterized by waiting on God, and their waiting is never in vain.  Today let us keep looking forward to the day when faith becomes sight, and we can join the redeemed in saying “This is the Lord; we have waited for Him; We will be glad and rejoice in His salvation.”

The Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers

Matthew 21:33-43

Our Gospel reading today continues in a series of parables that the Lord Jesus told a couple of days before His arrest and crucifixion.  Today’s parable tells of a rather shocking scenario, and was told specifically to the Pharisees and religious leaders in Jerusalem and the Temple.  The message that this parable gave was one that would have angered them, and made them all the more determined to see that the Lord destroyed.  Let’s look at this parable which has come to be known as The Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers or Husbandmen.

When reading this parable it is important to know who each person symbolizes.  Just as in the Scripture from Isaiah that we looked at earlier this week (Isaiah 5:1-7), the vineyard represents Israel.  In both passages God planted the vineyard, protected it, provided all that was necessary, and then expected fruit.  The owner is God, and the vinedressers or workers are the religious and political leaders of Israel.  The servants that were sent to collect the fruit are the prophets of God in the Old Testament.  And of course, the owner's son represents God’s own Son, Jesus Christ.

The owner of the vineyard had planted it, hedged it about, put in a wine press and a tower (vs. 33-34).  Nothing was lacking.  Similarly, Israel had God’s Law, the prophets, His covenant, protection, and Temple.  And today, believers have received great spiritual blessings through Jesus.  God expected, both then and today, for the vine to be fruitful.  The vineyard was not ornamental.  It was there to produce fruit (John 15:8).

At harvest time the owner sent his servants to collect the fruit (vs. 34-36).  These symbolized the prophets that God sent His people throughout history.  However, the workers responded violently.  They beat some, stoned some, and killed some.  The religious and political leaders consistently rejected God’s messengers.  The Lord, though, like the owner, was patient.  He didn’t immediately judge them.  He sent more servants.  The tenants became more guilty with each rejection.  That is true today.  Rejecting God’s Word brings greater accountability.

Finally the owner sent his son, who they not only rejected, but brought him out of the vineyard and killed him (vs. 37-39).  This is the central point of the parable.  The son is Jesus Christ.   The workers recognized the son’s identity, but rejected him anyway.  This mirrors the conduct of Israel’s leaders.  Many saw Jesus’ miracles and heard His teaching, but refused to submit to Him (John 1:11).  The religious leaders in Jerusalem had Jesus brought outside of the city and crucified.

Jesus then asked His listeners to pronounce judgment (vs. 40-41).  Without realizing it, they condemned themselves.  God’s patience is not endless.  Judgment eventually comes.  He is also perfectly just.  The tenants received exactly what their actions deserved.  In verse 42 Jesus quoted Psalm 118:22-23.  The stone is Jesus and the builders are Israel’s religious leaders.  They examined the stone and rejected it.  Yet God exalted the very One they cast aside.

The parable ends with Jesus stating something that greatly angered the Pharisees and religious leaders, and is sometimes misunderstood today (vs. 43).  This verse does not mean that Israel permanently ceases to be God’s chosen nation, that He has no future plans for Israel, or that His covenants have been canceled.  Romans 11 clearly teaches Israel’s future restoration.  It does mean that the kingdom privilege and stewardship were removed from the unbelieving Jewish leadership.  The opportunity to proclaim God’s truth would be entrusted to others.  The Church today, as in the days of the Apostles, includes both Gentile believers and believing Jews.

Israel was accountable for the light it had received.  Greater privilege brings greater responsibility.  The religious leaders knowingly rejected their Messiah, the Lord Jesus.  Their rejection led to judgment.  God still requires fruit from those entrusted with His truth.  Believers today should examine whether their lives honor the Lord.  They should respect God’s messengers, and be bearing spiritual fruit.

God graciously entrusted Israel with unparalleled spiritual privileges, repeatedly sent prophets to call the nation to repentance, and finally sent His own Son, Jesus Christ.  Israel’s religious and political leaders rejected and killed the Son, bringing divine judgment upon themselves.  Yet God’s purposes were not thwarted.  The rejected Stone became the Cornerstone, and the stewardship of God’s kingdom work was entrusted to those who receive Christ and bear fruit, both Gentile and Jewish believers.  This parable stands as both a solemn warning against rejecting Jesus and a glorious affirmation of His ultimate victory and authority.

Striving to Reach the Goal

Philippians 3:14-21

Most of us have goals in our life.  The student in the university has a goal of getting a degree in his chosen field, then getting a good job and advancing in his career.  The athlete has goals, some of them immediate, and then other long-term goals.  The rookie baseball pitcher wants to pitch a no-hitter this game, and then be picked for a major league team.  The Apostle Paul had goals in his Christian life, and encouraged other believers to also have goals, and to press on and strive to meet those goals.  In today’s Scripture he speaks of one such goal.  Let’s take a look.

As one reads through the various letters that St. Paul wrote to the churches he helped to establish, we get the impression that he was a sports enthusiast, as he often made comparisons between certain sports and various aspects of the Christian life.  One he often used was running a race, striving to reach the finish line and win the prize.  As we begin this portion of Scripture, Paul pictured a runner pressing on to reach the mark (vs. 14).  Paul was not spiritually complacent.  He energetically sought to know Jesus more fully.  The prize is not salvation, since salvation is a free gift (Ephesians 2:8-9).  Instead it refers to the rewards, approval, and Christ- likeness that we can receive.

That should be a goal of ours, as well.  Don’t get side-tracked or give up.  Paul urged us to keep growing spiritually and keep serving the Lord faithfully.  When we grow weary we need to fix our eyes on Jesus.  He knows each challenge we face, and He will guide us to the finish line (Hebrews 12:1-2; I Corinthians 9:24-27).

As Paul continued, he instructed his readers that mature believers should share the same mindset (vs. 15-16).  We should all strive for humility, and desire ours and others spiritual growth, being dependent upon the Lord Jesus.  If we get confused about certain truths, God will continue to reveal them as we walk with Him.  In the meantime we need to live according to the truth that we already know.  God expects obedience to revealed truth.  Spiritual growth will occur when we obey the Scriptures we already know.

We all need godly examples to copy so that we can live godly lives (vs. 17).  Paul boldly invited believers to follow his example because he was closely following the example of Christ.  This is not the apostle being proud, but rather him showing confidence that he was yielding his life fully to God.  Every Christian will have some type of influence on others.  We need to ask ourselves if our life will help someone else follow Jesus more closely or not.  Are we setting a godly example in our speech, our conduct, and our priorities?

In contrast to godly examples to follow, Paul continued on to describe that there are those who are bad examples, who are actually enemies of the cross of Christ (vs. 18-19).  People can be enemies of everything the cross represents, such as mankind’s sinfulness, Jesus’ sinlessness, our inability to save ourselves, God’s justice, grace, mercy, and His shed Blood for our sins.  Some of the characteristics that Paul gave of these enemies is that their end will be destruction.  They will face eternal judgment because they reject the true Gospel.  Their god is their belly.  Their desires and appetites control them.  They glory in their shame, celebrating what should produce repentance.  And they mind earthly things, their focus being entirely on worldly concerns rather than eternal realities.  A person may profess having faith, but reveal a false profession through a life dominated by fleshly desires and worldly values.

Paul reminded the Philippians that their citizenship was in heaven, not here on earth (vs. 20).  The Philippians lived in a Roman colony and understood citizenship well.  We are all citizens of one country or another.  However, if we are Christians we belong to another kingdom.  Though we are physically on earth, our primary allegiance is in heaven.  As citizens of heaven we should be thinking and living differently than others.  We should be valuing eternal things as we anticipate Jesus’ return.

As Paul finished this portion of Scripture he spoke  of the future glorification of believers (vs. 21).  As many of us can attest to, our current bodies are subject to aging, weakness, sickness, and ultimately death.  However, one day Jesus will transform them into glorified bodies like His resurrection body.

As we close, we see our Christian life as a race towards the heavenly goal, and we need to press forward, rejecting worldly-minded living, following godly examples, and live in anticipation of Jesus’ imminent return.  Until then, Christians are to live faithfully as citizens of Heaven, pressing towards the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Restore Us, O God

Psalm 80

When we go through a personal crisis period in our lives, as believers it is important that we turn to the Lord for His help and deliverance.  Serious problems can often weaken our faith, and we need a revival in our spirit to draw us back into a closer relationship with Jesus.  This is also important on a national level, especially if one’s country at any time was considered a “Christian country”.  Many Christians pray not only for personal revival in their lives, but also for national revival.  Our psalm for today is such a prayer, one which the psalmist Asaph prayed for his nation Israel.

Our psalmist, Asaph, wrote this psalm during a national crisis, possibly after a serious defeat in battle, or during the years that the powerful Assyrian empire threatened the nation. He knew that many of the problems that the nation faced were due to God’s chastening because of the people’s sin and departure from Him.  Knowing this, Asaph prayed a prayer of repentance and for national revival.

As the psalm opens, Asaph addressed God as the Shepherd of Israel, the One who led Joseph as a flock, and as the One who is enthroned between the cherubim (vs. 1-3).  This was a reminder that God cares about His covenant people, and is their Leader and Sovereign.  Asaph called on the Lord on behalf of the people, as Israel was in distress, and God’s blessings appeared withdrawn.  He prayed for God’s face to again shine upon them, so they could experience His peace and restoration.

Israel’s suffering was not accidental.  These afflictions and national humiliation were allowed by God (vs. 4-7).  Sometimes God permits hardships in order to correct His people, both at the time of Asaph, and also today.  His discipline is evidence of His concern for His children.  We read this in the New Testament, in Hebrews 12:6.  When we go through a time of suffering, it is not a sign that God has abandoned us, but that He is dealing with us as His children.  In addition to praying that God would bring relief from our suffering, we should also seek to learn the lesson that God is teaching us through them.

Asaph continued in his psalm by portraying Israel as a vine which God brought up from Egypt (vs. 8-13).  This, of course, refers to His deliverance of His people from bondage to Pharaoh.  God had removed the heathen nations, prepared the land, and caused the vine of Israel to flourish, showing His gracious work in their history.  However, now the protective hedge has been removed, and enemies freely invade and destroy the country.  Israel’s protection depended on walking in fellowship with the Lord.  This can apply to us today, as well.  Christians and churches that once flourished can decline when they cease depending upon the Lord.  Just look around our cities and see how many churches are closed, or have a bare minimum of people who occasionally attend.

The psalmist prays to God to look down from heaven and protect what He had at one time planted (vs. 14-18).  He pleads to God, not for Israel’s merit, but because of His mercy.  In verse 17, the “man of Your right hand” may initially point to the king, but it ultimately finds fulfillment in Jesus Christ.  He is God’s chosen King, the One seated at God’s right hand.  The ultimate restoration of Israel will come through her Messiah, Jesus Christ.

On behalf of the people, Asaph promised a renewed faithfulness if the Lord would restore them (vs. 18-19).  Three times throughout this psalm Asaph had prayed for the Lord to turn to them and restore them (vs. 3, 7, 19), each time with a stronger plea.  The first time it was “O God”.  The second is a bit stronger, “O God of hosts”.  The final time Asaph pleads “O Lord God of hosts”.

As believers, what can we learn from this psalm/prayer for revival?  First, we see that God is both our Shepherd and also our Judge.  The same God who protects His people also disciplines them when necessary.  We also see that sin brings consequences.  Israel’s afflictions were linked to her spiritual condition.  God forgives sin, but sin often leaves painful consequences.  In this psalm we see that revival is not produced by human effort alone, but by God’s gracious intervention.  God’s covenant purposes cannot fail.  Though the vine was damaged, it was not destroyed.  The Lord God remains faithful to His promises.

The Lord Jesus Christ is the only ultimate hope, both for individuals and also for each nation.  Only through Jesus can Israel or any nation be restored, can sinners be saved, and God’s purposes be fulfilled.  A nation that rejects God’s truth should not presume upon His blessings.  When God’s people experience spiritual decline, the answer is repentance, renewed dependence upon God, and confidence in His covenant faithfulness and mercy.

In closing, we need to pray the three requests that Asaph prayed in Psalm 80.  “Restore us again” - Ask God to reveal areas where spiritual renewal is needed.  “Cause Your face to shine” - Seek restored fellowship and God’s blessing.  And finally “we shall be saved” - Trust God to bring the restoration that only He can accomplish.

The Song of God's Vineyard

Isaiah 5:1-7

On a hot day I was looking forward to getting home and having a small bowl of the chilled green seedless grapes (my favorite) that I had recently bought.  With how hot it was, they would be so cool and refreshing.  So imagine my disappointment when I bit into the grapes to find that they were all sour!  No one wants a bowlful of sour grapes!  Has that ever happened to you?  In our Scripture today from the Prophet Isaiah, we read of how disappointed God was when His vineyard brought forth sour grapes.  Let’s see what Isaiah was talking about and what it can mean to us today.

The beginning verses of the 5th chapter of Isaiah are an allegory of God’s relationship to the nation of Israel.  God, pictured as a vineyard owner, had cleared the hillside of debris, planted good vines, built a watchtower for protection, and crafted a press to enjoy the results of His harvest.  The grapes are the people of Israel.  With everything that God had provided for His grape vines we would think that they would turn out perfectly sweet.  Why did the vines produce sour grapes?  Despite every possible blessing and advantage from God, the people of Israel produced spiritual corruption rather than righteousness.  What happened?

The opening verses in this allegorical “song” appear gentle and affectionate, emphasizing God’s love and care for His people.  He demonstrated love, patience, and goodness.  God had not abandoned His people in the wilderness, nor when they came into the Promised Land.  Instead, they had rejected His gracious care.

A good vineyard owner will plant the best vines he can get, and keep the vines protected with fences and watchtowers.  He will remove any unwanted debris from the grounds (vs. 2).  God had equally provided for Israel.  He delivered them from Egypt, gave them His Law and His prophets.  God had placed them in the land He had promised the Patriarchs, and protected them.  The vineyard produced fruit, but it was worthless fruit.  Despite all of God’s care, His vineyard produced sour grapes of selfishness, injustice, and oppression.  God reluctantly destroyed the vineyard, while saving a remnant of vines that someday would produce a good harvest.

God invited Judah to judge the situation themselves (vs. 3-4).  No fault could be found in the vineyard owner.  The failure rested entirely with the vineyard.  God had faithfully fulfilled His covenant obligations.  Israel could not blame Him for her spiritual condition.  As judgement, God said He would remove the hedge and break down the wall.  The vineyard would be laid waste, uncared for (vs. 5-6).  God would remove His protection.  Foreign invasion and national devastation would follow, which was ultimately fulfilled with the Babylonian captivity.

How does this apply to us today?  A person may possess religious privileges, can have Biblical knowledge, and be involved in their church, yet fail to produce godly fruit.  God is not impressed merely by appearance.  Those grapes looked good on the vine.  The ones I tried eating looked good in the bowl, yet both were sour.  God looks for those who have called upon His Son, Jesus, who pattern their life after Him, and are obedient to His Word.  God holds people accountable for their response to His truth.  He is not deficient in His provisions, rather it is rebellion in the human heart, and there comes a point when persistent rebellion will bring divine chastening.

God had desired the good fruit of justice, righteousness, holiness, and obedience, but instead found the bad fruit of oppression, violence, and spiritual corruption.  The nation looked religious, but was a sour grape.  They were morally bankrupt.  God expects His people, both then and now, to bear fruit.  Throughout Scripture we see that genuine faith is evidenced by godly fruit.  Fruit does not produce salvation, but salvation should produce fruit.

The question today is not whether you are active religiously, but whether godly fruit is evident in your life.  We need to examine our fruit.  Don’t presume upon God’s blessings.  Israel had enjoyed tremendous privileges, but still came under judgment.  Church attendance, Biblical knowledge, and Christian heritage do not guarantee spiritual health.  Like the vineyard, believers have received abundant provision, and should respond with gratitude and faithful service.  God expected righteousness and was grieved by corruption.  He still desires holiness from His people today.

Privileges bring responsibility.  God still examines the fruit of His children’s lives, and genuine faith should result in obedience, righteousness, and godly character.  The vineyard failed, not because the Owner neglected it, but because it rejected the purpose for which it had been planted.  Isaiah warns us here against having mere outward religion.  When God graciously provides every opportunity for spiritual fruitfulness, He rightly expects a harvest of righteousness.

Which Son Are You?

Matthew 21:28-32

There is a saying in English, “Actions speak louder than words.”  There are probably similar sayings in other languages.  What we do means more than what we say.  We can promise others all sorts of things, but those promises mean nothing unless we follow through with our actions.  Our Lord saw examples of this behavior in His people, and sought to teach a lesson with a parable.  Let’s take a look and see what God’s Word can teach us.

The parable of two sons was one of several that the Lord Jesus told the crowds, specifically targeted towards the religious leaders, during the last week before His crucifixion.  If one were to give a superficial look at the crowd, those leaders would seem to appear quite religious.  Scattered in the crowds, perhaps on the fringes of the group of people, were others who had unsavory backgrounds, such as prostitutes, corrupt tax collectors, etc, ones who had seemingly rejected God.  As Jesus was going to clearly show, looks can be deceiving.

Jesus told the parable of a man who had two sons.  He asked each of them to go work in his vineyard to get the crop in.  One said no, but later changed his mind and went (vs. 28-29).  The second had responded with a “Yes, sir!” but never went (vs. 30).  Jesus asked the group, specifically those Pharisees and religious elders, who was the obedient one.  In this parable, the father represents God, and the vineyard symbolizes His work and Kingdom purposes.  The first son pictured sinners who have repented of their wrong actions, and the second are self-righteous religious folks.  Both heard the father’s orders, but only one obeyed.

The first son pictures openly sinful people.  Their lives have plainly demonstrated rebellion against God.  However at some point in their life they repent, they have a change of heart towards God, change their mind about the sin in their life, and turn towards God.  This son’s repentance was proven by his action.  He didn’t merely feel sorry, he turned around and headed towards what his father asked.  True repentance leads to obedience.

The second son was polite and respectful.  He said all the right things, and outwardly he appeared superior to the first son.  However, his was an empty profession.  He talked about obedience but never actually obeyed.  He represented religious leaders who claimed devotion to God, but rejected His messengers and Word.  Many people today profess Christianity, attend church, and use religious language, but have never truly submitted to Jesus Christ.

Jesus specifically asked the religious leaders who of the two obeyed the father (vs. 31-32).  Their answer would condemn themselves, as after they answered, Jesus told them that tax collectors and prostitutes would get into the Kingdom ahead of them.  It was not because those despised people were less sinful, but because they had repented of their sins.  Salvation is not based on respectability.  It is entered by repentance and faith.  Both the prostitute and the Pharisee need God’s grace.

Right prior to the start of Jesus’ ministry, John the Baptist had preached repentance and righteousness.  His message was clear and Biblical.  Many of those who society called sinful believed John and repented.  Their lives were transformed.  However, the religious leaders also heard, and saw multitudes repent.  Yet their hearts and souls remained hardened and they refused to submit to God’s revealed truth.  A person can be very religious and still be lost.

God desires obedience rather than mere profession.  He is not impressed by religious language, external forms, and how one appears in public.  He desires obedience from the heart.  Genuine repentance will produce a change.  It is not perfection, nor emotion, but a change in one’s life, demonstrating genuine faith.  Church membership, baptism, family heritage, or Bible knowledge cannot save.  Only personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ saves.

The religious leaders saw no need for repentance.  Self-righteousness is a great barrier to salvation.  Both “religious” people and criminals must come to God the same way.  No sinner is too wicked to be saved, and it is never too late to repent.  The first son began badly, but ended well.  Many people have lived years in rebellion, yet God still extends mercy through Jesus.

In closing, God values genuine repentance and obedient faith over mere religious profession.  The repentant sinner who believes God’s message is accepted, while the outwardly religious person who refuses to obey remains outside God’s blessing.  Jesus teaches that what ultimately matters is not what we say we will do for God, but whether we actually respond to Him in repentant faith and obedience.