Word@Work Luke294 - Luke 20:9-10
Published: Wed, 02/16/11
Word@Work from BeaconLight
GOD IS THE OWNER
Luke 20:9-10 He went on to tell the people this parable: "A man planted a vineyard, rented it to some farmers and went away for a long time. At harvest time he sent a servant to the tenants so they would give him some of the fruit of the vineyard. But the tenants beat him and sent him away empty-handed. (NIV)
In the week before Jesus was crucified He was not afraid of those plotting to kill Him. He chose to teach publically in the temple (Luke 20:1). This parable was a prophetic description of the hatred of the religious establishment against Him. The priests and religious lawyers who were hovering in the back of the crowd knew that the story described them and it intensified their lethal hatred (Luke 20:19). But they had not been the first to oppose God's right to rule. The Old Testament is full of self-justifying leaders who refused to fully obey God's Word. And when He sent prophets to tell them the truth, the messengers were ignored, persecuted or killed. This parable starts with their story.
The vineyard is the Kingdom of God, created and owned by God. The farmers were the family, tribal and national leaders of Old Testament Israel who were trustees of the 'testament' (covenant); they were God's stewards to look after His people and land. However, despite having God's written instructions, He often seemed to be absent (although He was not), and so the leaders developed their own agenda. They turned away from God's law, indulging their own fantasies. Alas, this included the kings as well - who were intended to be the "pastors" of God's people. So God sent prophets to remind them of the covenant and rebuke their rebellion. However, God's prophets were often treated badly, even though their warning message was also a gracious call to repentance and reconciliation.
God is not physically visible today but He is still watching over His world of which He is the owner. He has every right to call people to order and expect obedience, service and worship. In the New Testament church, the gospel contains the new covenant, and the church is commissioned to proclaim the truth about God's Kingdom, to announce Jesus as the only Saviour and command repentance in His Name. However, the response of many is to ignore the gospel and increasingly to persecute those who speak the truth about Jesus. But God is still the ruler of His Kingdom and the owner of this world. He has the authority to say what is right and the power to enforce it. The privilege of believers in Jesus is to announce forgiveness of sins and freedom from condemnation for all who repent and receive Jesus Christ.
Prayer: Dear Lord. Thank You that Your Word still has authority over this world, even though so many defy You. Please help me to be a good 'gospel bearer' so that those who are heading for Your judgement might repent and receive forgiveness and a new life in Christ. Meanwhile I pray for so many who face daily persecution for the sake of Christ; please give them courage and comfort in their struggles, and a compassion for those who persecute them. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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In the week before Jesus was crucified He was not afraid of those plotting to kill Him. He chose to teach publically in the temple (Luke 20:1). This parable was a prophetic description of the hatred of the religious establishment against Him. The priests and religious lawyers who were hovering in the back of the crowd knew that the story described them and it intensified their lethal hatred (Luke 20:19). But they had not been the first to oppose God's right to rule. The Old Testament is full of self-justifying leaders who refused to fully obey God's Word. And when He sent prophets to tell them the truth, the messengers were ignored, persecuted or killed. This parable starts with their story.
The vineyard is the Kingdom of God, created and owned by God. The farmers were the family, tribal and national leaders of Old Testament Israel who were trustees of the 'testament' (covenant); they were God's stewards to look after His people and land. However, despite having God's written instructions, He often seemed to be absent (although He was not), and so the leaders developed their own agenda. They turned away from God's law, indulging their own fantasies. Alas, this included the kings as well - who were intended to be the "pastors" of God's people. So God sent prophets to remind them of the covenant and rebuke their rebellion. However, God's prophets were often treated badly, even though their warning message was also a gracious call to repentance and reconciliation.
God is not physically visible today but He is still watching over His world of which He is the owner. He has every right to call people to order and expect obedience, service and worship. In the New Testament church, the gospel contains the new covenant, and the church is commissioned to proclaim the truth about God's Kingdom, to announce Jesus as the only Saviour and command repentance in His Name. However, the response of many is to ignore the gospel and increasingly to persecute those who speak the truth about Jesus. But God is still the ruler of His Kingdom and the owner of this world. He has the authority to say what is right and the power to enforce it. The privilege of believers in Jesus is to announce forgiveness of sins and freedom from condemnation for all who repent and receive Jesus Christ.
Prayer: Dear Lord. Thank You that Your Word still has authority over this world, even though so many defy You. Please help me to be a good 'gospel bearer' so that those who are heading for Your judgement might repent and receive forgiveness and a new life in Christ. Meanwhile I pray for so many who face daily persecution for the sake of Christ; please give them courage and comfort in their struggles, and a compassion for those who persecute them. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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