The Rebellious Renters
March 18|Missing the Point Series
March 18|Missing the Point Series
The tenants seized his servants; they beat one, killed another, and stoned a third. Then he sent other servants to them, more than the first time, and the tenants treated them the same way. Matthew 21:35-36
Read: Matthew 21:35-36
Listen: Matthew 21
The tenant farmers in the story decide to take everything. After all, it is their “blood, sweat and tears” that got them here. Several years have elapsed in the story, and the delicious fruit is ready for harvest. The landowner wants what is his. But the tenant farmers think otherwise. Jewish law at that time allowed someone who occupied land for three or more years to take ownership legally. The tenant farmers no longer wanted to be renters. They wanted to be owners. Nobody was going to tell them what to do.
Watch this video clip as Pastor Aaron Buer explains we want to be owners too. “It’s my money, I’ve earned it. I worked hard to develop this talent, and I’ll do what I want. I’ll decide who I’m going to live with. No one will tell me what to do!” The problem is that Scripture tells us we’re not owners. We’re “renters.” Actually, we’re “stewards” (or managers) of every good gift from God the Creator. He made the planet, designed the ecosystem which allows life, keeps our hearts beating and our lungs breathing. In truth, we are accountable to our Creator.
While most of your “vineyard” is available to the Owner, there might be one area where you’re not allowing access. If you’ve become an owner rather than a renter (steward), confess this to God. Then take the first step to turn this over to him. If you’d like to speak with a church leader or need other care, email btw@adabible.org so we can begin a conversation.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.