How can we recognize and respond to God's messengers today? Setting the Scene in Mark 12:2 “At harvest time, he sent a servant to the tenants to collect from them his share of the fruit of the vineyard.” (Mark 12:2) The “servant” pictures every true messenger God still sends. The verse gives a window into how those messengers act—and how we should respond. Traits of God’s Messengers Today • Commissioned—They come “sent” by the Master, not self-appointed (John 20:21). • Seasonal—They arrive “at harvest time,” exactly when God wants a word delivered (Esther 4:14). • Purposeful—They seek the Master’s “fruit,” calling us to repentance and obedience (Luke 3:8). • Accountable—They answer to the Owner, not the audience (1 Corinthians 4:1-2). • Often Rejected—Like the servants in the parable, they may face resistance (Acts 7:52). Ways to Discern 1. Message aligns with written Scripture (Isaiah 8:20). 2. Exalts Christ, not self (John 16:14). 3. Produces conviction and godly fruit (James 3:17-18). 4. Demonstrates humility and holy character (1 Timothy 3:2-7). 5. Stands the test of prophetic accuracy and moral integrity (Deuteronomy 18:21-22; Matthew 7:15-20). Biblical Examples of Right and Wrong Responses • Right: Cornelius welcomed Peter—resulted in salvation (Acts 10). • Right: Thessalonians “accepted it not as the word of men” (1 Thessalonians 2:13). • Wrong: Tenants beat the servants (Mark 12:3-5). • Wrong: Jehoiakim burned Jeremiah’s scroll (Jeremiah 36:23). • Mixed: Bereans “examined the Scriptures daily” before embracing Paul (Acts 17:11). Practical Steps for Welcoming God’s Messengers • Stay rooted in daily Bible intake to spot counterfeit teaching. • Pray for discernment (Philippians 1:9-10). • Listen fully before reacting; weigh every word against Scripture. • Encourage faithful messengers with hospitality and material support (3 John 5-8). • Submit joyfully when the message is biblical, even if it confronts (Hebrews 13:17). • Guard your heart from cynicism; rejection of truth usually begins with hard soil (Matthew 13:19). Encouragement to Bear Fruit God’s messengers are never sent merely to inform; they come to harvest obedience. By recognizing them and responding rightly, we hand over the ripe fruit of repentance, faith, and good works—delighting the Owner of the vineyard and proving ourselves faithful tenants until Christ returns (John 15:8; Revelation 22:12). |
    |