Focus
As you quiet yourself for this brief time, be willing to be open to God in whatever way that may take place.
Read
Matthew 21:28-32 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
“What do you think? A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ He answered, ‘I will not’; but later he changed his mind and went. The father went to the second and said the same; and he answered, ‘I go, sir’; but he did not go. 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. 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.
Reflect
A pastor asked a group of people gathered at church one day, “What does salvation mean to you?” The first five answers were all the same, “I get to go to heaven.” It wasn’t until he got to a little old lady that he got an answer that got his attention. This little old lady looked at the whole group and then turned her eyes to the pastor and spoke these words, “It means that for my whole life I got to get up every day and go to work with Jesus in those fields ripe for harvest.” At that point, the pastor asked her, “Why did you do that every day?” Everyone was looking at her now as she spoke and said, “I was once lost, but Jesus found me. I was once blind, but Jesus gave me my sight. I understand what it is like to be a sinner. I understand what God can do in such a life because He did that in my life. And on the day of my salvation, I didn’t hear God call me to heaven, I just heard God call me to go to work.”
Pray
God, we know we have a past, but today we are thankful that you have given us a future. Help us God to find joy today in our salvation and the opportunity to join you in your work within this world. We are thankful for your love and grace God. We are thankful for the opportunity to serve. Amen.
Go with God!
