In Matthew 21 we read the parable of the vineyard that Jesus told to the "the chief priests and the elders of the people", which included the Pharisees. When Jesus asked them what the owner of the vineyard would do to those who killed his son when he was sent to find out why those who were left in charge of the vineyard did not do what the Master required, THIS was their answer in verse 41:
41 They said to Him, He will put those wretches to a miserable death and rent the vineyard to other tenants of such a character that they will give him the fruits promptly in their season.
Now realize that God had left THEM, the Jewish people and their leaders, in charge of His kingdom on the earth and they had failed miserably! Not only did they, over the years, murder the prophets that He sent to warn them to comeback to the worship of the One, True God, but they would eventually order the death of the SON! Jesus, speaking prophetically, said THIS to them in verses 42-44:
42 Jesus asked them, Have you never read in the Scriptures: The very Stone which the builders rejected and threw away has become the Cornerstone; this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes? 43 I tell you, for this reason the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce the fruits of it. 44 And whoever falls on this Stone will be broken to pieces, but he on whom It falls will be crushed to powder [and It will winnow him, scattering him like dust].
If YOU have received Jesus as Lord and personal Savior, then YOU have been given the Kingdom of God principles to live by and the power to carry it out! Not only are we a new creation (see earlier blog post), but we are also a new "nation" in the eyes of God! Look at 1 Peter 2:7-10:
7 Unto you therefore which believe He is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,
8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that you should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light:
10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
KJV
THEY were appointed to be the carriers of God's Truth, but NOW, for this present age, WE are! He has NOT let them go, but He HAS put them on hold until we, the Church of Jesus Christ, finish the work He has given us to do! Then we will be removed from the earth and THEY will have an opportunity to truly believe! WE are to be the ones who are to be "of such a character that they will give Him the fruits promptly in their season"! How are YOU doing? Let's pick up the pace and bring joy to HIS heart! AMEN! Here is Chris Tomlin with "Chosen Generation":
Shalom in Him!
