Today’s scripture: Mark 12:1-12 (ESV-text and audio) (KJV) (The Message)
As you read, consider: What might God be saying to me? Summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two.
My thoughts (Julie Benson):
A man planted a vineyard.
God planted a church.
He rented the vineyard to some farmers and went away on a journey.
God put the church in the hands of some religious leaders and stood back to watch what work would be done.
At harvest time he sent a servant to the tenants to collect from them some of the fruit of the vineyard. But they seized him, beat him and sent him away empty handed.
After a few years of steady growth and productivity, God sent a missionary to speak about the AIDS epidemic and to seek financial help to help with education, awareness, and medical assistance. But the religious leaders were too busy with a capital campaign and balancing a tight budget so they sent the missionary on his way, empty-handed.
Then he sent another servant to them; they struck this man on the head and treated him shamefully.
Time passed and God sent a homeless man meandering in to a Sunday worship service. He was seeking a temporary place of refuge and a little bit of food to eat. But the man didn’t fit in and became a distraction to other worshipers. So the religious leaders quickly shooed him away, aghast at his appearance and stench.
He sent still another; and that one they killed.
Then God sent a teenager. She abruptly interrupted an adult conversation so that she could express her excitement about her newest iTunes downloads and latest score on Guitar Hero. But the religious leaders reprimanded her for being so rude.
He sent many others; some of them they beat, others they killed.
God sent new faces with innovative ideas and fresh perspectives, but they were met with groups that were closed-off and religious leaders who said they had their own plans set in place. Some of the new people stayed having nowhere to serve, yet others left altogether.
He had one left to send, a son, whom he loved. He sent him last of all, saying, “They will respect my son.”
Finally, God sent Jesus. The remembrance and celebration of Christ’s birth was quickly approaching on the calendar — a focal point that is respected and glorified.
But the tenants said to one another, “This is the heir. Come, let’s kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.” So they took him and killed him, and threw him out of the vineyard.
But the religious leaders said to one another, “This is a day that we can perform a program like no one else in town. Come, let’s pull out all the stops with music, drama, and media so that we will be known as the best church around!” So they took the celebration and twisted it around for their own glory.
What then will the owner of the vineyard do?
What then will God do?
He will come and kill those tenants and give the vineyard to others.
God will come and strip the leaders of their positions because of their selfish priorities and motivations, then entrust His work to another.
Most of us assume some form of religious leadership in our church. From nursery volunteer to communion acolyte, praise team instrumentalist to media technician, groundskeeper to receptionist, singles leader to softball coach. We have all been commissioned with doing God’s work and have been entrusted with great responsibility! The souls of others are under our care and we cannot afford to serve with disregard to those God sends our way.
God has planted a church in which we can grow and thrive. In return, God expects that when it is time to harvest the fruit, we give back our time, talent, and resources!
Thought for the day: What gift from God is my responsibility? Am I using that the best I can to tend God’s “vineyard”?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.