“The Lord is in the right, for I have rebelled against his word.”  Lamentations 1:18

“Jesus said, ‘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.’”  Matthrew 21:28-29

I remember my first real day job after college – a 40-hour work week, bi-monthly paychecks (typed on paper!), benefits including good health insurance and a 401K plan.  I felt proud.  If I worked hard and met expectations there would be rewards – promotions with pay raises, and not least of all, pride in recognition for a job well-done.  I don’t recall ever saying “I will not!”  But then, I don’t recall being asked to do something harmful to myself or others.

Jesus told stories to teach lessons.  What excuses have we used to avoid a task?  There is a second son in this story.  Son #2 said he would go and work but then didn’t.  What good intentions have we failed to follow through with, and for what reasons? 

I am retired but God still has work for me to do.  I even have an “employees’ manual” with instructions.  It tells me to love God with all my heart, soul, and mind.  The “manual” says I am to love others as much as I love myself.  I am required to be kind, love justice, and walk humbly with God.  Yes, God has work us … and it comes with a saving plan.

Dear God, Keep my ears open to your call.  Keep my heart open to say “yes”.  Keep my hands open to do.

“In the highways, in the hedges … I’ll be somewhere working for my Lord …

If he calls me, I will answer … I’ll be somewhere working for my Lord.”*  Amen

*Anita Carter

 

Verla Olson

Ministries
Teaching Mission Party