30 June 2010
Psalm 119:145-176; Num. 22:41-23:12; Rom. 7:13-25; Matt. 21:33-46

Balaam becomes, for the first time in his life, a true prophet. He speaks the words the living God gives him to speak and speaks truth. The Lord met Balaam, an amazing thing that the Lord met with this pagan prophet, and then put a word in his mouth to speak concerning Israel. Balak intended the prophet to do his will and curse this people yet the Lord would not allow such a thing, a great mercy to Balaam. More than this, we see in verse 10 that Balaam expresses a desire to join in the blessedness of Israel!

The parable Jesus tells about the landowner and the vineyard is perfectly clear and in order to make sure there is no misunderstanding Jesus gives the interpretation. In both this parable and the parable at the end of yesterday’s Gospel reading we see a growing understanding among the people as he concludes each parable with a question to which everyone knows the answer. They know what the landowner will do to the tenants here and yesterday they knew which son did the father’s will. Jesus speaks plainly that the kingdom will be taken away and given to others who will produce fruit for the King. Are we producing fruit in our churches today? Have we become like Israel, particularly with respect to the western church, professionally religious and proud of what we have in consideration of the outsiders? We have to examine what we have become and ask the questions of what we have done to deserve God’s favor and where we have become insulated and isolated.

The law tells me what is sinful conduct and yet I cannot restrain my flesh to act in accord with the law. The fleshly part of me, that which is unregenerate by the Spirit of God, only desires that which is prohibited. Whenever a thing is prohibited we conclude that if it is prohibited it must be either pleasurable or good and we have to try it. One of my sons seemed always bound to learn only by experience and on several occasions learned that not all things prohibited produce pleasure or good. I can acknowledge the law to be good and beneficial but my flesh desires to do that which my mind and heart do not and I find a war in myself. Paul recognizes that he is unable to master sin and pleads for a savior and finds one in Jesus. He is our only hope and is the hope of the world.

My lips will pour forth praise,
because you teach me your statutes.
My tongue will sing of your promise,
for all your commandments are right.
Let me live that I may praise you,
and let your ordinances help me.