God never gives up

‘Last of all he sent his son to them. “Surely they will respect my son,” he said. But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, “This is the owner’s son. Come on, let’s kill him, and we will get his property!” So they grabbed him, threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him.

 ‘Now, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?’ Jesus asked. (verses 37-40)

Read Matthew 21:33-46

The story of the people of Israel is an amazing one. It’s a story that spans centuries and is about the relationship between God and his people. Think of the events that took place when Moses led the people of Israel out of Egypt to the promised land. The story is littered with things that strained the relationship between God and his people: rebellion, idol worship, complaining and a lack of trust in God.

But the truly amazing thing is that God never gave up on his people. He remained their loving God. He sent his messengers to restore friendship with his people. Finally he even sent his own Son to bring reconciliation and peace to the troubled relationship.

God hasn’t changed. His grace towards you is constant. Every day you do and say things that offend God and do harm to those around you. Nevertheless he keeps on coming close to you, even though you try to keep him at arm’s length. Thank God for his never-ending love.

Lord, your never-ending love is truly amazing. Thank you for the patience and love you show me, even though I don’t deserve it. Amen.

by Vincent Gerhardy, in ‘Living Water for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2001)

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