Matthew 21:28-32 But what think you? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard.… Work of God in world not done ver. His vineyard still needs digging and tending, pruning and cultivating. I. EVERY MAN HAS A MISSION FROM GOD. Cannot discharge himself of responsibility by openly professing not to obey. God's claim proportionate to our ability and opportunity. II. THIS MISSION IS "WORK." God says, "Come," before He says, "Go;" "Love Me," before " Work for Me." He seeks not enforced toil of slaves, but cheerful obedience of sons. God's vineyard is not a playground in which to take our ease. III. THE SCENE OF THIS "WORK" IS GOD'S VINEYARD. We are to make our own lives, and those of our fellows, as faithful as we can. For what spiritual sphere then does this figure stand? 1. Our own hearts. 2. Our own households. 3. Scenes of daily life. 4. Church and its institutions.Wherever you can labour for God, that is the part of the vineyard to which He calls you. And whatever you can do for Him, that is the work He bids you do. IV. THE "WORK" IS PRESSING AND URGENT — to be done "to-day." V. How MEN TREAT THE COMMAND. 1. Some profess to obey, but really disobey. Still call themselves Christians. Would shrink from renouncing their profession. Not hypocrites. When they said they would go, they meant it. But imperceptibly religion has dwindled down with them from its grand and beautiful reality to a mere soul-saving apparatus. 2. Others refuse at first, but afterwards obey. No justification here of first refusal. The son who repented and went is approved, not wholly, but by contrast with his brother. Nor could even he do all his father bade. For already the sun had climbed high into the heavens, and part of the precious day was gone. We cannot recall misused past. Waste no longer the golden hours. (J. R. Bailey.) Parallel Verses KJV: But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard. |
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