Insightful Musings on the Scriptures

by

Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67

Hello again, nice people.

Can you believe it? We’ve already reached the last day of the first month of 2018! Wow! If time flies when we’re having fun, is that our problem?—Too much fun?

Thano and I had no problem removing those little trees yesterday—even plucked the whole root wad out of the ground so the lady doesn’t have to deal with a stump. We processed all the wood before dark last evening.

Now to face a bigger-than-ever list! I’ve already done my old man jog and taken breakfast. Time to get on with some income-generating fun.

Blessings on your day. Ray.

I think our preconditioned human judgment tends to react to this scene. It may seem unreasonably harsh and intolerant to banish this guy to such a hellish consequence for such a seemingly minor violation. After all, it seems that the only thing this dude did wrong was to not dress up in the formal attire provided and prescribed for this special wedding feast set up by the king to honor his son. Sure—the guy shouldn’t have been wearing baggy shorts, tank top, and a stocking cap to an event like this—but, so what? Big deal! Isn’t that his problem? Well, yes, it is his problem. But his biggest problem is much deeper—his failing to recognize WHO is calling the shots here—failing to recognize that his own quest for independence and individuality is equal to an attitude of rebellion against the ONE in charge—failing to recognize that, whether he likes it or not, he cannot escape compliance and ultimate accountability before this SOVEREIGN KING—the ONE AND ONLY MAKER/OWNER—Who also deems that His Son is MOST IMPORTANT. This self-centered flippant dude was probably just responding to the announcement of good food. Besides that, there will probably be some pretty girls.

Earlier in this reading Jesus tells the parable of the vineyard—introducing it this way: “’Pay close attention to this parable,’ Jesus said. ‘There once was an honorable man who planted a vineyard. He built a fence around it, dug out a pit for pressing the grapes, and erected a watchtower. Afterward he leased the land to tenant farmers and then went a distance away” (21:33, TPT).

As I attempt to “Pay close attention to this parable,” as well as the one following, I’m drawing some basic conclusions:

1. The entire universe in general, and our individual lives in the context of this planet in particular, are all features of HIS VINEYARD. He’s the SOVEREIGN MAKER/OWNER.


2. I don’t own anything! And I don’t really make or create anything!—not independent of making use of the resources He provides. I am merely a tenant farmer—a manager of a very small plot of what He owns.


3. Therefore, my highest responsibility is to render to Him what He deems to be my highest responsibility—to passionately love Him, thank Him, and live to honor and please Him. That is the simple return He seeks from His extravagant investment. Indeed a HEART AFTER GOD is the most sure way for me to “respond in excellence.”