rebellious tenants?

​Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As many of you may know, I use technology a lot in my day-to-day life. I use many different apps (both on my phone and my tablet). Let me encourage you to use one of the apps I use. It is the "You Version" Bible app. On this app, I have been working through a four-day plan called "Marked by Joy." I want to share one of the daily devotionals with you.

                First, you will need to read Matthew 21:33-46

Jesus' best sermons were stories. A story in Matthew 21 was one of his most influential. We know that because of what happened at the end. Some people who heard him tell the story tried to arrest him. Perceiving that Jesus was speaking about them, they got the story's point as it dealt them a painful jab.

They saw themselves as the rebellious tenants—stewards who had tried for a thousand years to be owners. For generations, they used every means to silence the voice of the servants God sent to them. And they were going to do the same thing to Jesus. That's when they tried to arrest him.

Jesus' story has amazingly relevant undertones for our day when our standard of living is so high, our ability to possess is so well-developed, and our claims to ownership are so conspicuous—and yet, all the while, we're burdened with anxiety, guilt, emptiness, and boredom.God hasn't left us alone despite our role as wicked tenants in the vineyard. Despite our sins, God is still here in love and forgiveness, exercising his gracious rule over our lives.
                Suppose you refuse to acknowledge the ownership of God and your position as a steward of life. In that case, anything you do will have no meaning, beauty, or fullness. Even the marvelous wonders of material things—material created by God—won't give you happiness. You'll descend into a downward spiral of neurotic anxiety and unhappy pleasure seeking, for your constant denial of God's central place won't get rid of him.
God wants us to enjoy all that he has given us. But we can only do it if we appreciate him at the center. Every joy radiates from that central joy.
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Spend a few moments reflecting on the goodness of God. Where have you seen God's forgiveness and mercy in your life?

                Please think about this question at the end of your day, every day. If you like to journal about your thoughts as you study your Bible, as I do, take time to put your thoughts into writing. Remember that you are loved, and we can and should all strive for joy in our relationships with God and each other. Many Blessings.