When the
season came, he sent a slave to the tenants in order that they might give him
his share of the produce of the vineyard; but the tenants beat him and sent him
away empty handed. Luke
20.10
From this
particular reading of the parable of the wicked tenants what speaks strongly to
me is the aspect of sharing.
The owner was
more than willing for the tenants to benefit from his vineyard. But the tenants
were selfish and greedy. They wanted the full inheritance for themselves. This
did not work in the fictional setting of the vineyard, nor will it work in the
reality of the Kingdom of God.
God is clear
in desiring no one to perish. He wants each one to experience eternal life. The
price is simple repentance and acceptance of God’s way – something the vineyard
tenants were unable to do.
But there are
other parallels with the wicked tenants who wanted the vineyard all to
themselves. There are, sadly, some in the church who exhibit a
‘holier-than-thou’ attitude to needy brothers and sisters, seeing them and, God
forbid, judging them unworthy.
I pray for the
needy that I’ve just identified, but I also pray for those who dare to judge
them. I see these latter as, indeed, as much if not more, needy. For perhaps
their fate may be similar to that of the wicked tenants – destruction!
I say again,
God wants all to share in the good news and live in eternal life. May I do all
that I am able to facilitate this.
Loving God,
I cry out for those who are in real need of Jesus and
the pardon, release and blessing that He brings. I pray also for those who
would hinder the good news being made freely available to all. Your story,
Lord, is one of love. May we, all of us, grow in love and reach out to each
other in mercy and grace. Come, Lord Jesus, refresh our ways. We need You. Amen.
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