TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“Listen to another parable: There was a landowner who planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a winepress in it and built a watchtower.” Mathew 21:33
Read: Matthew 21:33
Listen: Matthew 21
TODAY’S MESSAGE
If this vineyard were a vehicle, we would call it “fully-loaded.” The landowner spares no expense to make sure those he leaves in charge are set for success. The vineyard is planted, the walls will protect the fruit from wild animals, the watchtower gives security from raiders and thieves and the winepress awaits the ripened fruit. This is the first-century version of a “turn-key” operation.
The vineyard represents the nation of Israel. Much like the landowner, God sets Israel up for success. He rescues them from slavery in Egypt and gives them the Promised Land. “For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land—a land with brooks, streams, and deep springs gushing out into the valleys and hills; a land with wheat and barley, vines and fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey; a land where bread will not be scarce and you will lack nothing; a land where the rocks are iron and you can dig copper out of the hills, “(Deuteronomy 8:7-9). God was “hooking them up!”
Like the Israelites, God “hooks us up” and gives us generous gifts such as water to drink and to use for irrigation, family members who care for us, jobs in which to use our skills, and opportunities for education and advancement. The appropriate response to this type of generosity is gratitude.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
In your journal, write three things (people, objects, experiences) from yesterday for which you are grateful to your heavenly Father. As you pray, thank him specifically for these three things. During the rest of your day, be looking for other “good gifts” that God provides. Begin the habit of daily thanking God for all he provides as he “hooks you up” to serve him.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
