Matthew 21:31 “Which of the two did what his father wanted?”

Jesus certainly had a way of getting to the point! He was dealing with people who said all the right things, but He wasn’t going to let them off the hook. With His parables and questions He forced them to expose where they were wrong, but too often they refused to acknowledge their errors even so. There are real echoes in this parable of what God said in Ezekiel 18:21-24, which is a strong warning not to presume on past righteousness, but to repent. Here, Jesus is saying very clearly that follow-through is of utmost importance. Words are very important, but words alone don’t cut it. Paul stressed verbal confession of Jesus as Lord for salvation because in those days, confessing anyone other than Caesar as Lord could get you killed. (Romans 10:9-10) Verbal confession really meant something! In America todayre you are more likely to get into trouble for saying something like, “I stand for Biblical morality.” However, even if you say that, if you are playing with sex outside of a monogamous marital context, your words are meaningless. Jesus’ specific example is of someone who repented, that is, he decided he was wrong and he did something else. We are in real trouble if, and really only if, we refuse to repent.

Growing up in church as I did, I’ve always had the right words on call. However, it was always open to question whether I was living out those words. Actually, it still is, as it is for everyone. God wants me to walk in obedience, not just parrot the right words. God sees each person’s heart, and He alone knows our true motives. I am not to go around judging, but I am to hold myself and others to the standard of Jesus Christ. By that standard we all have plenty of room to grow, but everything must always be in the context of love, for God and for one another. As a pastor I am to exhort and encourage, as indeed every believer should do for their brothers and sisters in Christ. (Colossians 3:16) I am to forgive rather than excuse, and let the Holy Spirit show me the difference. I am to walk in humility and loving obedience, and call others to do the same.

Father, You know my heart better than I do myself. Help me live out the truth You have placed in me, and not deceive myself into thinking words are the same as actions. (James 1:22) May we be a people who do Your will, whatever we might have done in the past, so that Your plans may be fulfilled through us for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!