HOME
Wednesday, November 30
Matthew 21:28-32
Ed Kam
In these verses, it is obvious who ended up following the father’s wishes. We can name faithful, good, loving and caring people who seem likely to be accepted into heaven. We also see people who don’t seem to deserve such recognition because of what they did or how they treated or hurt others.
As Jesus goes on further, he says that tax collectors and prostitutes will be going into the kingdom of heaven ahead of the chief priests and the elders. Why would bad people be ahead of good people? The passage says that people are accepted not because of their outward appearance or actions, but because of their genuine desire to repent, to ask forgiveness, and to follow Christ. That leaves out those who aren’t completely sincere and faithful in what they believe and practice. In essence, Christ doesn’t want inconsistent Christians. He doesn’t want Christians of convenience but Christians who accept the many inconveniences they will face when they follow their call to serve.
Advent is a time of renewal and rebirth, an occasion when we can celebrate Christ’s birth in our lives once again. Let this season increase our sincerity in being Christ disciples. Let us be willing to do what needs to be done, in the name of Christ even when it’s not what we’d otherwise want to do. Let us find that opportunity for having a personal rebirth of commitment.
Prayer
Lord God, you ask for commitment, and sometimes it’s easy to fall instead into being a Christian of convenience. You ask us to take up the cross. It may be heavy, but we can be reassured that you are by our side to carry the cross with us. Amen.