No Other Hope but Jesus
The parable that Jesus told in today’s reading speaks to the lawlessness of those who claimed to be the law. For centuries, the religious leaders of Israel had pursued their own interests. They had grown fat on the name of the Lord but failed to honor Him with their lives. In the parable, the owner of the land (God) created a paradise for the people. (It has long been established that the vineyard represents the people of Israel, and the tenants symbolized the rulers.) This vineyard was given a hedge to separate it from the rest of the world, the tools they needed (winepress), and protection (tower). However, those in charge of the nation abused their power because they wrongfully thought they held more control than God Himself.
After hearing the parable, the Pharisees and rulers of the people were angry because they perceived it to have been about them. They were right; however, we cannot miss the warning to us as well. In the story, the owner of the vineyard sent many servants to collect what was due. They were each abused and even killed until He ultimately sent His Son. Listen carefully to Charles Spurgeon’s message on this parable. He taught, “If you do not hear the wellbeloved Son of God, you have refused your last hope. He is God’s ultimatum. Nothing remains when Christ is refused. No one else can be sent; heaven itself contains no further messenger. If Christ be rejected, hope is rejected.”
There was a law in Israel at the time of Jesus that if the owner of the land was absent for more than three years, the inhabitants could claim the right to the property. This was a foolish law that repeatedly led to trials in court. At the time of Christ, many of the people had given up believing that the Messiah would come. Just as today, many people have given up on the Second Coming because God has tarried for our benefit. Just as the occupancy law was hard to prove because one could never be truly sure that the owner had not visited the property, or at least be able to prove it, we are foolish to think that God has abandoned us. He has not left us. He is here, watching, waiting, and preserving His children. Simply because we have not seen Him doesn’t mean He is not here. When Jesus returns, there will be no more opportunities. It will be like the judgment of the landowner, quick and complete. If you have not listened to the call of Christ, what are you waiting for? There will be no better invitation, no greater salvation. The door is open, but it will not remain so forever. Take heed to His voice while there is still time.
(Written by Keegan Harkins.)
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