The Hope of the Landowner - A Communion Meditation

In Matthew 21:33-45, the parable of the landowner, the father expected the best from the vine growers. Even after they had beaten and killed the others he had sent, "He sent his son to them, saying, 'They will respect my son.'” He believed that the new outcome would be better than the previous outcomes.

The Father similarly offers hope to us, in spite of our previous disobedience and sin. His mercies are new every morning. He offers us new chances, expects the best from us. And if we have accepted His Son as our Lord and Savior, and thus have the Holy Spirit indwelling us, He directly and constantly enables and empowers us to live up to the hope He has for us. He opens the horizons of hope to us, then joins and encourages us on the path, throughout our journey.

We are reminded of His presence, His enabling power, here at this table. This is His body. This is His blood. He invites us to partake, so our visceral, physical experience matches the truth, more real than the air we breathe, that His spirit is already within us, working, growing, building His kingdom.

Offering Meditation

We are foolish and wasteful with the various resources, in various realms, that God has given us. We are not perfect stewards. But God continues to provide for us, and through us He provides for others. His new mercies are poured out into our time, our knowledge, our relationships, in so many ways, including our wallets.  Give as generously as you have been given to.