In Mark, chapter 12, Jesus speaks of a parable that is very beneficial to our lives, as believers of Him now. And for you to understand, we will go through the parable of the vineyard together. “And he began to speak unto them by parables. A certain man planted a vineyard, and set an hedge about it, and digged a place for the winefat, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country. And at the season he sent to the husbandmen a servant, that he might receive from the husbandmen of the fruit of the vineyard. And they caught him, and beat him, and sent him away empty. And again he sent unto them another servant; and at him they cast stones, and wounded him in the head, and sent him away shamefully handled. And again he sent another; and him they killed, and many others; beating some, and killing some. Having yet therefore one son, his wellbeloved, he sent him also last unto them, saying, They will reverence my son. But those husbandmen said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance shall be ours.’ And they took him, and killed him, and cast him out of the vineyard.” (Mark 12:1-8) This we learn of Israel and what they did to God’s holy prophets over the centuries, and lastly Jesus. Many people thought that killing Jesus, who is God’s Son, would also silence Him and His followers, but they were so wrong. The gospel message of Jesus Christ has only flourished and gotten stronger as the years have passed.
Now, to remind you what gospel message we are preaching, let’s recall what Paul said. It is written, “moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.” (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) Yes, we preach that Jesus died for our sins and that all those who believe in Him shall be saved. And because He rose from the grave, everyone who puts their trust in Him will also rise up with Him into everlasting life come death. And going back to what Jesus said, we know that God has chosen other people outside of Israel to continue His will in His vineyard. That is every person who believes in Jesus unto salvation. Jesus said, “what shall therefore the lord of the vineyard do? he will come and destroy the husbandmen, and will give the vineyard unto others. And have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner: This was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?” (Mark 12:9-11) Surely, what God is doing right now in the hearts of every true believer is marvelous in God’s eyes. For we bring hope to those who are living in darkness, that they may be saved through Jesus.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that people will come unto You for salvation. That they will no longer be partway in, but go all in to serve You. Surely the harvest is ripe, but only a few laborers are found. Even You are the Lord of the vineyard and are looking for those who are ready to be a beacon of light and hope to the lost. I am ready and willing to do whatever You call for me in this life, and have seen much fruit from Your dealing with me also. It has come with persecution as well, but I knew that I would have to go through the fire, in order to find the one soul who is ready to be saved. For even if one person out of a thousand would give their lives to You, the angels would be rejoicing with me. I love to see people come to know You, Lord, even into a deeper relationship than before. You have given me words to speak to people, and I am so grateful. It is my prayer that I will continue to be used for Your glory. But Lord, I know that I cannot bring the gospel to everyone. We need more people at the front lines, ready to preach, teach, pray with others, do acts of service, lend an ear to hear people, and help those who are less fortunate. Surely, doing this is what it means to love our neighbor. It is our calling in life to come unto You for salvation and then live out our faith. Nothing this world offers us can satisfy our souls like Your love can. There is only temporary joy and satisfaction through things I’ve discovered in life apart from You. But with Your presence in my life, I am satisfied. There is nothing greater than bringing Your love into another person’s life. It is so good. I just wish that people would understand this. I love You, Lord. I praise You and give You great glory. Amen.
