What steps can we take to ensure we honor God's "heir" in our lives? Key Verse “Finally he had one more to send, a beloved son. He sent him to them last, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ But the tenants said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ ” (Mark 12:6–7) Setting the Scene: Recognizing the Heir • Jesus calls Himself the “beloved Son” in this parable, drawing a clear line to Psalm 2:7 and Hebrews 1:2—He is the heir of all things. • The tenants failed to honor the heir because they wanted the vineyard for themselves. Their attitude warns us against claiming God’s blessings while sidelining His Son. Why Our Honor Matters • Hebrews 1:3 declares that the Son “upholds all things by His powerful word.” Ignoring or sidelining Him is not a neutral act; it is rejection of the One who sustains us. • Philippians 2:9–11 promises every knee will bow to Jesus. Honoring Him now aligns our lives with how eternity will unfold. • John 5:23: “Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.” Honoring the heir is inseparable from honoring God Himself. Practical Steps to Honor the Heir 1. Prioritize His Word • Daily reading and meditation (Joshua 1:8). • Immediate obedience—treat His commands as non-negotiable (John 14:23). 2. Guard the Throne of Your Heart • Renounce competing allegiances (Luke 14:26–27). • Ask: “Does this decision showcase Christ’s worth or diminish it?” (1 Corinthians 10:31). 3. Confess Him Publicly • Speak of Him without hesitation (Romans 10:9–10). • Let your social circles know you belong to the Son (Matthew 10:32). 4. Worship with His People • Regular assembly (Hebrews 10:25). • Christ-centered singing and thanksgiving (Colossians 3:16). 5. Serve the Body and the World • Use gifts to build up fellow believers (1 Peter 4:10–11). • Engage in acts of mercy that reflect the compassion of the heir (Matthew 25:40). 6. Steward Resources for His Kingdom • Treat time, money, and abilities as His property (Matthew 6:19–21). • Invest in gospel work that magnifies the Son (Philippians 4:17). 7. Await His Return with Purity • Live in readiness (Titus 2:13–14). • Keep short accounts—confess sin quickly (1 John 1:9). Caution: Avoiding the Tenant Mentality • Self-reliance—thinking the vineyard is ours to run (James 4:13–16). • Selective listening—receiving benefits but rejecting commands (Luke 6:46). • Cultural conformity—blending in to avoid the cost of discipleship (Romans 12:2). Encouragement for Today Honoring the heir is not burdensome; it is the path of deepest joy. When the Son receives rightful reverence, the rest of life finds its proper order, and the vineyard of our hearts flourishes under the watchful care of its Owner. |
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