How should believers respond to God's persistent call, as shown in Luke 20:12? Setting the Scene “Then he sent a third; and they wounded this one too and threw him out.” – Luke 20:12 What We Learn About God’s Heart • Persistent Pursuit – The owner does not quit after one or two rejections. • Costly Patience – Each additional servant means greater loss and pain, yet he keeps sending. • Relational Aim – His goal is not mere crops but restored fellowship with tenants who honor him. Why This Matters for Us • God still speaks—through Scripture, the Spirit, faithful believers, life circumstances. • Every fresh appeal shows divine mercy (2 Peter 3:9). • Rejecting repeated invitations hardens the heart (Hebrews 3:7-8). A Proper Response to Persistent Calling 1. Immediate Obedience – Delayed compliance is functional disobedience (James 1:22). 2. Humble Repentance – Admit past refusals; turn and bear fruit worthy of repentance (Luke 3:8). 3. Grateful Worship – Thank Him for patience that outlasts our stubbornness (Psalm 103:8-10). 4. Active Stewardship – Yield the “harvest” He seeks: love, holiness, witness (John 15:8). 5. Ongoing Listening – Stay sensitive to His voice through daily Scripture reading and prayerful reflection (Isaiah 30:21). Practical Steps for Everyday Life • Begin each morning asking, “Lord, what are You saying today, and how can I say ‘yes’?” • Keep short accounts—confess sin promptly when the Spirit convicts. • Serve someone in Jesus’ name whenever He nudges; obedience grows easier with practice. • Offer your talents and resources as His property, not yours. • Share His message with others; become a “servant” He sends to call still-wayward hearts (2 Corinthians 5:20). Warnings Embedded in the Parable • Repeated rejection escalates consequences (Luke 20:15-16). • Refusing light invites deeper darkness (John 12:35-36). • Presumption on God’s patience is dangerous; it has an appointed end (Romans 2:4-5). Encouragement for the Willing Heart • God delights to restore and reward responsive tenants (John 14:23). • He supplies power to obey the very commands He gives (Philippians 2:13). • A single wholehearted “yes” today can redeem years of yesterday’s “no.” |
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