Matthew 21:28-32 (NRSV)
Read Matthew 21:28-32 on biblegateway.com
Verse 28"What do you think? A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, 'Son, go and work in the vineyard today.' Verse 29He answered, 'I will not'; but later he changed his mind and went. Verse 30The father went to the second and said the same; and he answered, 'I go, sir'; but he did not go. Verse 31Which of the two did the will of his father?" They said, "The first." Jesus said to them, "Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you. Verse 32For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him; and even after you saw it, you did not change your minds and believe him.
Devotion
A local weight-loss support group begins each session with this statement: "We are all intelligent people. We all know how to lose weight, but we don't always practice what we know we should be doing." That confession lays it all out on the table. It is an honest beginning to a new week.
Although knowing and doing begin in the same place, they don't always arrive at the same destination. Might as well be honest about it.
It is a strange journey being a disciple of Jesus. Following Jesus begins with knowing him. Knowing him doesn't guarantee following him. But confessing my unwillingness, my inability to follow, brings me to the same destination as one who followed from the start. Jesus Christ chooses us both. It is an honest beginning to a new life with him.
Prayer
Lord of Life, my journey began with you and ends with you. You are the Alpha and the Omega. I confess that I do not always have the will or ability to stay with you. I am thankful that you are always on the journey with me, whether or not I choose your path. Open my heart to begin a new day with you. Help me choose you. Help me choose life. Amen.