Parable of The Vineyard
My Two Sons
A certain father had two sons. The father called upon his sons to go into his
vineyard and work. This vineyard was precious, and the product of loving care, superior
wisdom, And creative works of labor. The father was concerned for the quality of fruit
this Vineyard would yield. The father didn’t want his labor of love, his creative
workmanship to be for naught. The father didn’t want his personal investment to be
wasted, or lost. He was expectant and desirous of a great harvest. Surely, the father
felt he could depend and rely on his sons to help carry the workload, and to work with
him. We are workers together with Christ (II Cor. 6:1). Everyone partakes of, and
enjoys the harvest, but no one wants to work. The scripture says that the harvest is
plentiful but the laborers are few pray ye that the Lord of the harvest will send workers
into his vineyard. (Matt. 5:37) Everyone comes to the table to eat, but no one wants to
cook the meal. The father called on his first son, the eldest son of the two, the son who
should lead by example. Consequently, he was too busy, otherwise engaged with his
own agenda. This son had his personal affairs and desires that occupied his time and
interest. He was doing his own thing. The scripture tells us that obedience is better
than sacrifice. (I Sam. 15:22) Why sacrifice the joy of the harvest, by being disobedient
to the call to work and contribute to the harvest. God rewards obedience. The father
didn’t feel he should solicit strangers, and go to the unemployment office and hire
workers. He had two sons that were able to do the work. After all this was a family
affair, the father was providing for his family. The first son said no, but later relented.
He had a change of heart and mind. He repented of his disobedient attitude. He
realized that he was loved, and the father was providing for the health, wealth, and
welfare of the family. He reciprocated the love that the father expressed, and entered
into the joy of the harvest, the joy of his salvation.
The father called on his second son. The second son with a voice of obedience
immediately answered yes sir, I’ll go. This son pretended to be obedient, committed
himself and went not, did nothing. How many times in life do we hear the call of the
Father and we refuse to do anything or to be moved and inspired. Worse yet, how many
times do we procrastinate, lie and say that we will, but we don’t. This son undoubtedly
felt that regardless of whether I work in the vineyard or not, I still will partake of and
enjoy the harvest. Afterall, I am my father’s son, he loves me. Surely he would not
refuse or deny me to join in the harvest. Is this the false security of eternal salvation?
Once saved always saved. I am the seed of Abraham, so I’m automatically saved. I
have inherited salvation. The scripture would have us to know that everyone that says
Lord, Lord will not make it into heaven. (Matt. 7:21) And Jesus said, “Why call ye me
Lord, and do not the things which I say?” (Luke 7:46). The two sons represent two
different groups of people in the vineyard, or the world. The first son represents the
Gentiles, non-Jews. The gentiles are the unsaved, the worldly people, whores,
prositutes, whoremongers, thieves, liars, murderers, sinners. The gentiles came to know
Christ and accepted him as their savior, and received his love and provision of salvation.
They repented, and had a change of heart, mind, and life. The gentiles accepted the will
of the father, entered the vineyard to work. The scripture tells us to work out our
salvation in fear and trembling. (Phil.2: 12) The second son represents the Jews. Jesus
came unto his own, and his own received him not. The Jews rejected their salvation.
The second son Also represents the religious pretenders. The preachers and pastors, and
false prophets that say they will do the will of the Lord, but have their own will and
agenda. The second son is the shepherd that scattereth the sheep, misleads and takes
advantage of them.
Jesus asks a question, which of the two sons did the will of the father? We as well
as the religious leaders of that day choose the first son. This choice exposes the
hypocrites and the religious pretenders, and brings revelation. Jesus revealed that the
Gentiles, whores, prostitutes, whoremongers, thieves, liars, murderers, tax collectors,
and sinners would enter heaven before the religious hypocrites. Those who repent, and
are transformed by the renewing of their mind, by the washing and regeneration of the
word,the same shall enter into heaven.
Check yourself before you wreck yourself, be not misled nor deceived. The bible
says that in the last days many will be offended and many will be deceived. (Matt.
24:24) states that; For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show
great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very
elect. The bible also reminds us that judgement begins at the church. (I Peter 4:18)
states; and if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner
appear? A word of caution is given in the hymn, Ye Shall Wear A Golden Crown. Base
scripture (Matthew 25: 10), reads thus; “They that were ready went with Him.”
Ye Shall Wear A Golden Crown
Watch ye therefore, you know not the day
When the Lord will call your soul away;
If you labor, striving for the right,
You shall wear a golden crown.
Be not like the foolish virgins then,
For He is coming and you know not when;
Keep your lamps all trimmed and burning bright,
And you shall wear a golden crown.
Though the hosts of hell your soul assail,
Naught of these against your soul prevail;
Never faint nor lay thine armor down,
And you shall wear a golden crown.
If at last you hold out to the end,
Jesus is an everlasting friend;
If you stay within the church He found,
You shall wear a golden crown.
If you fight the good old fight of faith,
And with patience run the Christian race,
When you lay your gospel armour down,
You shall wear a golden crown.
Mrs. Nevada Huffman.
Which son are you? Are you ready and willing to work out your soul salvation in
fear and trembling? I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night
cometh, when no man can work. (John 9:4) Being confident of this very thing, that he
which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
(Philip.1:6) Amen…Amen…Amen.