SCRIPTURE: Matthew 21
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
I tell you, the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a nation that will produce the proper fruit. [Matthew 21:43] Here we have the clash of the kingdoms. The Kingdom of God as demonstrated in Jesus clashes with the kingdom of humanity. God’s modus operandi (method of operation) invades our modus operandi. And it’s not pretty.
The promised messiah arrives on a donkey? This carpenter from Nazareth who associates with corrupt tax collectors and prostitutes is being hailed as the Son of David [see 2 Samuel 7:12-16 for what this meant to Jews]? This is scandalous. How dare Jesus disrupt the temple, God’s house? Who gave Him the right? Who does Jesus think He is?
The religious leaders are unaware that they have actually compromised their calling. They have become agents of the kingdom of humanity, the sinful order of things. They do not live and work in God’s world according to God’s way of operating. They have become worldly, as self-focussed and unloving as everyone else. They do not produce the fruit that one expects from a good tree.
The story of the fig tree is a parable acted out. God expected a certain fruit (result) from His tree, but they did not produce the proper fruit. It is not enough that they claimed to be God’s servants, they need to do it. Jesus story of the two sons shows that what God is ultimately looking for is the resulting behaviour, not just the agreeable words.
We face the same challenge, the same clash. We live very much in this world, and often live just like everyone else, with the same values and priorities and character flaws. It doesn’t matter that we go to church, that we sing religious songs, etc. God is looking for fruit, for life change, for a people who live and act like God – humble, compassionate, merciful, generous. Those who refuse to live like this will lose their place in the kingdom of God – not because God kicks them out, but because by their actions they have removed themselves from it.
The message is clear. God is looking for specific results. Words are not enough. It’s time to start living like it.
PRAYER:
Lord, thank You for showing me the way. Help me to live it!
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, We need to bear the fruit of the Spirit. By your fruit you will be know. Look at the Pharisees – jealous of Christ’s followers. Look at what happened to God’s house of prayer, the wrong emphasis/focus. What fruit am I bearing?
We look at the chief priest and the elders of the people and see that they were self-centered, off target, wrong motive ministry. But before I cast stones at them, how do others see me? What are my motives? Which king/King am I serving? Who’s first in my life?
I am working in His vineyard today. That must be evidenced by all I do and say. Although, I am saved by grace, how do my works give evidence that Jesus Christ is my King. The fruit of my labour is inspected by all those around me. That identifies me. Open my eyes Lord that I may see You leading me, guiding me each day and may others see Christ Jesus in me. Living for Jesus.
Living for Jesus, a life that is true,
Striving to please Him in all that I do;
Yielding allegiance, glad hearted and free,
This is the pathway of blessing for me.
Refrain
O Jesus, Lord and Savior, I give myself to Thee,
For Thou, in Thy atonement, didst give Thyself for me.
I own no other Master, my heart shall be Thy throne.
My life I give, henceforth to live, O Christ, for Thee alone.
Living for Jesus, wherever I am,
Doing each duty in His holy Name;
Willing to suffer affliction and loss,
Deeming each trial a part of my cross.