Sep 2, 2018

Bible verse for meditation:

KJV
28 But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard.
29 He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.
30 And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.
31 Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.

NIV
28 “What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’
29 “‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.
30 “Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go.
31 “Which of the two did what his father wanted?”
“The first,” they answered.
Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you.



What does this scripture mean to you?
Has it had a different effect this reading as compared to times past?
How does this scripture make you feel?

Continue breathing deeply as you ponder this meaning.

Meditation on scripture / bible verse meditation:

This scripture speaks to us. Often times we deny ourselves of the full blessings of hearing God’s word. Here he teaches that we can return to His work regardless of how long we have stopped listening. No matter how much we rebel and struggle. God is not asking us for perfection and he certainly is not reserving heaven only for those who follow immediately without struggle. He wants us, rebellious nature and all. He will take our faith and create a new being in us as we remain dedicated to turning back to him. He will use us to do His work.

For over a year I have been doing these meditations focusing on bringing peace through God’s word. I want to be careful that I am not suggesting that we should expect a life of unending tranquility. We have no shortage of opportunity for suffering and stress in daily life. For this reason taking time to slow down and focus on God’s will can be such a blessing, however, we cannot hope to have a life devoid of energy and work. It is moments of tranquility that invigorate us again to take up the yoke of Jesus and draw nearer to Him.

One way this work may show up is in the form of harnessing our faith to bring about tangible changes in our lives. As we work in faith on our shortcomings we can be filled with energy of spirit to experience lasting changes. Wherever you are in your life at this moment. May we consider how we are like the first son and determine to return to work with God in one of the most challenging endeavors we can experience, that of improving upon our fallen nature.

Meditation of Prayer:

Pray as directed by the Spirit.
Dedicate these moments to the patient waiting, when you feel ready ask God for understanding you desire from Him.

Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm:
I invite you to sit in silence feeling being patient for your own faults and trials.

Meditate and Visualize Positive Change in Your Life:

Sue donated on Patreon and selected the scripture. Thanks Sue!

Final Question: What work can you return to?

Final thought -

My hope and prayer is that, just as in this scripture, that we can continually exert our faith in God. So in moments like this, when we experience the slowness and peace of God we can be recharged to continue on in life invigorated by loving and Godly work. When we go to work with Him, we can do so with increased focus with more faith, hope, and charity. Let our times of tranquility be mingled with times of concerted effort.