Unfathomable Grace

Do you have remorse? When you look at your last day, week, month, or year, do you see rebellion and chaos? Is this the story of your life? Are you full of regret over your prodigal history?

Well, Jesus has a parable for you:

What do you think? A man had two sons. And he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ And he answered, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he changed his mind and went. And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered, ‘I go, sir,’ but did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before 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 when you saw it, you did not afterward change your minds and believe him.     (Matthew 21:28-32)

You have a Heavenly Father who loves you. He wishes the best for you. He knows what is best for you. He has your best interests in mind.

You have a responsibility. You are to love him by doing everything he commands. When he says “rest,” you are to rest. When he says “work,” you are to work. How he tells you to work, and what he tells you to do, that you are to do. This is how you, an honorable son, is to respond.

Sometimes you are like the son who says, “I will not!” Brazenly you rebel and refuse to love him and honor his authority.

At other times, you are like the son who says, “I go sir,” but then you do not that which you have promised to do. In the end, though your words are more endearing, you too are a brazen rebel who refuses to love your Father and honor his authority.

Too bad you are not like Jesus. He is the only son who immediately says, “Yes Sir,” and then goes about doing exactly that which the Father desires and commands. He is the faithful son who loves the Father and gives him the honor due his name.

Therefore, now that you see your foolish obstinance, dishonoring posture, and chaotic history, and are troubled, what should you do?

Jesus would tell you to respond as did his friends — the tax collectors, prostitutes, and the first rebellious son. They all saw their transgressions, met their Savior, believed him, changed their minds, and went. Despite their tragic track record, they did the next right thing. Though they had squandered many years in dishonoring the Father and pleasing Lucifer, they found it was never too late to repent and worship.

Listen again to the encouraging words of Jesus. Towards those who repent and worship, Jesus says, “Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God ….” His kingdom is filled with rebels who repent.

Friends, is the Spirit using Jesus’ sermon, his Scripture, and this blog to call you to repentance? Are you struck with remorse over your rebellion? Were you a horrible son yesterday? Did you say “Forget it” to God and walk according to your own desires? Or, did you commit to obedience only to lie and walk as a insolent, hypocritical rebel? Either way, God calls you to repentance, and he offers you the kingdom. Leave your place of sin. Come back to the house. Come back to the Father. He waits with open arms to put sandals on your feet, a ring on your finger, a robe on your back, and food in your mouth. He waits to honor you as a son, so that you might obey and give honor to him as your Father. Repent … It’s never too late!