Two Son: Two Attitudes

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How do you respond when you are asked to do something?  Do you say no, and then change your mind?  Or, do you say yes, then not do it?  

Today in our parable, “There was a man who had two sons.”  (Matthew 21: 28)  The father asked the first son to work in the vineyard.  He told his father no, then changed his mind and went to work.  The other son, said, “I will, sir, but he did not go.”  (Matthew 21: 30)  Which one of these sons did what his father wanted?  We would answer the first one.  

Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you.”  (Matthew 21: 31)  

The point is this:  Our attitude is everything.  We may say yes in our flesh, but what’s in our hearts is what is important.  The heart is what God sees, even before we do respond.  Clearly, our heart displays what’s inside.  “Out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks.”  (Luke 6: 45)   

  • Resistance will keep us from the Kingdom.  
  • Our attitude is everything.  
  • When we say yes to something, give it your all.  
  • Kingdom work will produce good fruit.  

Building His Kingdom is referring to the stone we are to build upon is the cornerstone.  “The stone the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.”  (Matthew 21: 42)   

  • Build your life upon this Rock, Jesus Christ.  
  • Rejecting the Lord is rejecting eternal life.  

We are told to “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach…”  (Ecclesiastes 12: 1)  

Solomon is concluding the writing of this book and he says, 

The words of the wise are like goads…given by One Shepherd.”  (Ecclesiastes 12: 11) 

  • Scripture is in a class of its own.  

Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter:  Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.  For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.”  (Ecclesiastes 12: 13-14)  

Our attitudes and obedience to the Lord are very important.  Moses was told, by the Lord, to speak to the rock, and water will come forth.  However, Moses, in his anger against the grumbling Israelites, that he called rebels, struck the rock twice instead.  “The water gushed out and the entire community and their livestock drank.”  (Numbers 20: 9-11)  They probably thought all was good until…

The Lord said to Moses and Aaron, Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them.”  (Numbers 20: 12)  

C’mon Lord!  He and Aaron went all that way and you won’t let them enter?  I learned:  When God speaks, listen!  Here are some thoughts regarding the punishment I read in a commentary:   

  • Moses himself, nor any leader, is exempt from the consequences of unbelief.  
  • He spoke to the people instead of the rock, which reflected his lack of faith in God’s directive.  
  • Faith and obedience go hand in hand.
  • Faith is the correct response to God’s Word, of either promise or command.  
  • Moses’ actions were comparable to the rebellion of the people of refusing to enter the promised land on God’s timing. 

Knowing the grace and mercy of our Jesus brings me closer and closer to Him.  When our love increases for Him, so does our obedience level.  Learn to just listen, He will not steer us wrong!  Our children had to learn to listen to us as parents.  It’s the same thing, only on a much larger scale.  That’s a lot of kids to manage!   

When the Father speaks, listen.  Our attitude is reflected in the way we respond. 

( Matthew 21: 28-46, Ecclesiastes 11: 9-12: 14, Numbers 19: 20, Paraphrased)  

 

 


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About the Author

Mary Beth Pecora, a faithful wife, mother, grandmother, friend, worshiper and servant leader, who loves life and loves people. More importantly, she passionately loves God and the fullness of who He is! For twenty-three years she has served in leadership positions within the ministry of Aglow International. Currently, she and her husband serve at The Secret Place--A Psalm 91 Ministry. It's a place for individual folks to come, be exhorted and prayed for, while being ushered to ministry stations within the room. They continue to serve monthly in the Prayer Room at their home church that they have been a part of for almost forty years. In April of 2022 they both received their Ministry License and were Ordained in May of 2023. She delights in encouraging folks of all ages within various walks of life. Her love of writing is now her passion, which led her to publish two books, "Restoration Explosion In The New Year," and "Navigating The Mysteries Of God." Above all that’s been accomplished and concluded, the BEST thing to her is knowing her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is her everything—her very best friend. Visit: Mybelovedsvoice.com