Choices!

Choices!

Mark 12:10 AMPC

[10] Have you not even read this [passage of] Scripture: The very Stone which [after putting It to the test] the builders rejected has become the Head of the corner [Cornerstone];

In understanding the story of the stone above, it is good to consider the cintext in which the story was placed. There was a man who planted a vineyard. He has a purpose for the planting, and he did all that was required to ensure that the vineyard thrived. He put a hedge round it to protect it, he dug a pit for the winepress in anticipation of the fruit and result that will come from the vineyard,  he also built a tower for protection and guard over the vineyard, and then he hired men he considered as competent to care for it, before he left to attend to other businesses. Like this man, God has also established a vineyard and done all He could to guarantee our success and fruitfulness. He has given us all that we need for life and Godliness, and He protects and shields us from all evil, so we can go ahead and be all He formed, gifted and planted us to be. 

Unfortunately, like all things men, God will not force Himself on anyone, or go against the exercise of our freewill, but be sure that there will be consequences to whatever decision I make. The men who were hired to take care of the vineyard thought it had become personal entitlements; therefore, they treated all the servants of the owner shamefully, and went to the extreme of killing the man's only son. Of course, the man came and destroyed all those tenants, but because the work had to be done, others would still be hired to do the work required. Men who thought that they were entitled to what they did not own were moved out, and others who may not have been initially considered were brought in to do the work. The work would get done, because the owner of the work will not be denied. 

The choice is mine to make: would I be a part of what the owner of the work wants to get done or am I content with self- promotion? Am I willing to let go of distractions, so that I can focus on what God wants to do in and through me? Those who are entitled will soon realise that God's work will not suffer loss; only those who have a sense of entitlement will end up being sidelined, whilst those who were not initially considered relevant would be the ones used to sustain that which needs to be done. The stone was tested and rejected but when all was said and done, it became the stone that would fit the role, and on which the entire structure may rely on. This stone is ultimately Jesus, as well as all who trust in Him for relevance and impact. This is God's way of establishing His power and wisdom. The choice of response is mine to make. God's time of favour is here.