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When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard Jesus’ parables, they knew he was talking about them. They looked for a way to arrest him, but they were afraid of the crowd because the people held that he was a prophet. Matthew 21:45-46
In Matthew 21, Jesus tells the parable of the wicked tenants, exposing how the religious leaders rejected God’s messengers and plotted against the landowner’s son. That’s exactly what they were thinking about him – and they didn’t miss the point. They knew Jesus was holding up a mirror to their stubborn, hard hearts.
Instead of being convicted of their sin and repenting, they let their pride and anger to move them to want to arrest Jesus. The only thing stopping them was the crowd, who revered Jesus as a prophet. They cared more about their public image and self-preservation than about God’s truth. Tragically, in a few days, Jesus would be killed under direction of those same leaders.
When God’s word steps on our toes, exposes our sin, we face the same fork in the road. We can clench our fists, defend our pride, and reject the correction – or – we can open our hands, surrender and let His grace heal us.
In a little over a week from now, I’m going to travel to Minnesota and help my brother with harvesting corn and soybeans. I may be driving a tractor or large truck, who knows what he’ll have me do! I just know it will be dusty and dirty!
When I help with the farm, I always have to remind myself that I’m not a farmer, I don’t do this regularly. I need to be CAREFUL! It can be very dangerous operating large machinery, especially when I don’t do it every day. I say a few prayers and get ready to submit to my brother’s authority. He’s the boss!
For me, the harvest is exciting and different for me. I’m familiar with what needs to happens, how to operate most of the machines, and where I need to be. But sometimes I run into a situation I’m not sure about something, so I need to ask questions. Don’t assume! A long time ago, I learned I needed to repeat my brother’s instructions back to him, in detail, so I get it right. That has saved a lot of problems and helped us avoid making mistakes – like going to the wrong farm! I just hope I don’t break anything or hurt anyone, including myself.
When I’m farming, I’m in a totally different role than I usually am as a pastor. I have to suck up my pride, be humble, and serve my older brother. It goes much smoother, then, for both of us. He’s a good boss, but a strong perfectionist. He’s also a man of few words, so I have to draw things out of him. Over the years we’ve learned how to work together and because of that, we can get a lot done!
I think these experiences help me relate much closer to Jesus’ agricultural parables – vineyards, tenants, livestock and workers. In our modern, urban world, some of these stories and parables may not be as familiar, but interestingly, they still apply. My trips to the farm help remind me of the scriptures, and are of course, a great connection with my family – mom, brother, and two sisters. I’m sure I’ll have some good stories to share when I return!
In the name of Jesus;
Pastor Dan
ANNOUNCEMENTS
- Join us this Sunday for worship with First Evangelical and Holy Cross churches. We pray you experience God’s love and grace in worship. Stay for fellowship and a delicious lunch following worship.
- Help us build a safety and security fence for the new playground! We will have a “Noisy Offering” today and October 25th during worship. Drop your loose change in the buckets as they pass by and make a lot of noise! Your loose change and paper donations will go to help protect the equipment and keep the kids safe from the cars in the parking lot for years to come.
- Join us on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. in the chapel for our Bible Study, “See Through the Scriptures”. We will go step-by-step through the biblical narrative from Genesis to Revelation, putting everything in clear context. This week we will talk about the opening stories in Genesis.
- A limited first printing of Pastor Paul F. Arnold’s Martin Luther Exhibition is now available. This 278-page coffee table book documents his 4000 item collection housed at the New Ebenezer RetreatCenter in Rincon, Georgia. The book also tells the story of the Lutheran Salzburgers, exiled from Austria, came to Georgia seeking a place of religious freedom and a chance for a new beginning. They built the historic JerusalemLutheran Church, now the oldest Lutheran church in America with a continuously active congregation, and where Pastor Arnold’s collection is now displayed. To order the book, visit www.newebenezer.org/shop. Cost: $50.
- There will be a celebration worship service honoring Pastor Alva and First Lady Elaine Donaldson on Saturday, October 11th at 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. They have served the Church of God 7th Day for over 50 years. You are also invited to a banquet in their honor their legacy of ministry on Sunday at 3:00 p.m. at the Green Acres Community Center (RSVP).
- The Light WPB is hosting a Job Fair with Better Together on Saturday, October 17 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Chapel. If you, or you know of someone looking for a job, please share this information with them. Text JOBS to (844) 987-3949 to start. https://bettertogetherus.org/events/west-palm-beach-fl-job-fair-hosted-by-the-light-wpb-10-17-26/
