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Tuesday, December 13, 2005

Matthew 21:28-32
Jesus tells a story,

"What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, 'Son, go and work today in the vineyard.'

"'I will not,' he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.

"Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, 'I will, sir,' but he did not go.

"Which of the two did what his father wanted?"

"The first," they answered.

Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him."

And don't think his listeners fell on their faces in remorse now, either. Proud, they were so proud. Think of the face they had to save.

How hard it is to turn away from something good toward something better. The good rules, the good people have established a good life for those who follow. Integrity and humility, and requisite pride in those traits, ridehigh in my eyes and make my back straight. I can step into whatever comes next with confidence and authority.

Then John comes in desert rags, Nazarite extremist, crying out his message. I don't hear it clearly. Jesus points that out, gently at first - speaking as rabbi, not desert crazy-man. This is my change to change my mind and head for the vineyard.

What will I do when Jesus speaks? And when I know his words are the most true words I have ever heard? When his eyes have more integrity than any eyes I've ever looked into, what will I do when Jesus speaks?

Your voice, Lord, catches me off guard. Whatever I have claimed as good, you have something more. Better. Best. Let me open my arms and receive it.



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