How can we ensure we are receptive to God's messengers in our lives? Setting the Scene in Matthew 21:35 “ ‘But the tenants seized his servants; they beat one, killed another, and stoned a third.’ ” (Matthew 21:35) The parable paints a vivid picture: God graciously sends messengers, yet hard-hearted people reject them. The warning is clear—if we are not deliberate, we can imitate these tenants and shut out the very voices God sends for our good. Recognizing the Danger of Closed Ears • Israel’s leaders missed John the Baptist and Jesus (Matthew 21:32; Luke 7:29-30). • People in Nazareth dismissed Jesus because He seemed ordinary (Mark 6:2-3). • The early church faced scoffers who resisted apostolic teaching (2 Peter 3:3-4). Scripture shows that rejection is rarely about lack of evidence; it is about spiritual posture. Four Practices for Receptivity 1. Cultivate Humble Hearts • “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” (Hebrews 3:15) • Humility keeps us teachable, recognizing we still need correction and growth. 2. Filter Everything through the Written Word • “Examine all things; hold fast to what is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21) • Like the Bereans, “they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures daily.” (Acts 17:11) • Scripture is the infallible standard; true messengers align with it. 3. Honor God-Given Messengers • “Believe in the LORD your God, and you will be upheld; believe His prophets, and you will prosper.” (2 Chronicles 20:20) • God still gifts “apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers” for the church’s maturing (Ephesians 4:11-12). • Respect, support, and pray for those faithfully handling the Word. 4. Obey Promptly when Confirmation Comes • “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” (James 1:22) • Receptivity is proven in action; delayed obedience dulls spiritual hearing. Signs That the Messenger Is from God • Consistency with the whole counsel of Scripture. • Christ-exalting focus—points to His lordship, not self-promotion (John 16:14). • Evident fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). • Willingness to suffer or be unpopular rather than compromise truth (Acts 5:29). Encouragement to Act Immediately We do not want to mirror the vineyard tenants who silenced God’s servants. Each messenger—whether a sermon, a godly friend, or even an unexpected stranger (Hebrews 13:2)—may carry a life-changing word. Welcome them, weigh their message by Scripture, and step into obedience quickly. In doing so, we honor the Owner of the vineyard and enjoy the fruitful harvest He intends for us. |
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