Change Of Mind
28 "What do you think? A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, 'Son, go and work in the vineyard today.' 29 He answered, 'I will not,' but later he changed his mind and went. 30 The father went to the second and said the same, and he answered, 'I go, sir,' but he did not go. 31 Which of the two did the will of his father?" They said, "The first." Jesus said to them, "Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you. 32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him, and even after you saw it, you did not change your minds and believe him. (Matthew 21:28-32)
The chief priests and elders asked Jesus to tell them by what authority he was healing, teaching, and - the biggie - turning over tables and driving out those who were selling goods and exchanging money in the temple. In response, Jesus challenged them to tell him by what authority John had baptized - rather he was given authority by God or by man. The leaders were afraid to answer, knowing that if they acknowledged that John's authority came from God, they would have to justify their disregard of him. Jesus, then, also refused to tell these leaders the origin of his own authority. Instead, Jesus told them a story of two sons. One son had agreed to work in his father's vineyard but did not go. The other son initially refused to go, but then changed his mind and worked. When Jesus asked the temple leaders which son had done the father's will, they had to acknowledge that it was the son who had done the work, not the one who just gave lip service.
Repentance requires a change of mind to turn away from something and turn toward something else. Jesus calls us to turn away from sin and turn toward the will of God. He wasn't pleased with the temple leaders because they knew the will of God, had made the commitment to do the will of God, but chose not to do God's will. They used their positions, and the status and power they were given, to serve themselves rather than using those positions to serve others. Jesus was teaching that God is not really interested in what we say, but in what we do. When we truly repent, we're not just sorry for what we've done, but we yield ourselves to God - allowing mind and heart to be changed, transformed. In this way, we become new creations, doing God's will - serving and uplifting others. How many societal ailments could be healed if all of us who profess to follow Jesus would turn away from our own will and turn toward God's will? If we worked as hard at loving one another as we do at judging one another, what a different world this would be.
God's kingdom come, God's will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
27 Again, when the wicked turn away from the wickedness they have committed and do what is lawful and right, they shall save their life. 28 Because they considered and turned away from all the transgressions that they had committed, they shall surely live; they shall not die. 29 Yet the house of Israel says, "The way of the Lord is unfair." O house of Israel, are my ways unfair? Is it not your ways that are unfair? 30 Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, all of you according to your ways, says the Lord GOD. Repent and turn from all your transgressions; otherwise iniquity will be your ruin. 31 Cast away from you all the transgressions that you have committed against me, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! Why will you die, O house of Israel? 32 For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, says the Lord GOD. Turn, then, and live. (Ezekiel 18:27-32)
Enjoy this original song by yours truly.
...And this beautiful classic!
Comments