God’s Kingdom

In one of the confirmation sessions, I would take the youth into the sanctuary and ask them to point out anything that has a dual purpose, such as a candle (provides light and heat), or as one youth suggested, “A pew. You can either sit or sleep on it.”

In our text today, Jesus refers to a stone, which can be a cornerstone, one that supports a building’s foundation, or a stumbling block, a thing that can cause destruction.

Jesus speaks of faithfulness. When we are faithful in studying God’s word, in sharing the good news, in doing acts of lovingkindness, faithful in prayer, obedience, trust, our faithfulness will sow seeds that will bear fruit for the kingdom. But, if we are unfaithful and do not bear fruit for God’s kingdom, we will become brittle, dried up; we will stumble over that stone and we will shatter.

When our Lord Jesus warns us, he also offers us the opportunity to take stock of our life. Are we bearing fruit for the kingdom; are we faithful, loving people? No better time than today to go out and sow some seeds for the kingdom!

God of grace, empower us always to remember that you need our hands, hearts and feet as workers together in your vineyard of love. Amen. — DS

Contributed by God’s Kingdom

In one of the confirmation sessions, I would take the youth into the sanctuary and ask them to point out anything that has a dual purpose, such as a candle (provides light and heat), or as one youth suggested, "A pew. You can either sit or sleep on it." In our text today, Jesus refers to a stone, which can be a cornerstone, one that supports a building's foundation, or a stumbling block, a thing that can cause destruction. Jesus speaks of faithfulness. When we are faithful in studying God's word, in sharing the good news, in doing acts of lovingkindness, faithful in prayer, obedience, trust, our faithfulness will sow seeds that will bear fruit for the kingdom. But, if we are unfaithful and do not bear fruit for God's kingdom, we will become brittle, dried up; we will stumble over that stone and we will shatter. When our Lord Jesus warns us, he also offers us the opportunity to take stock of our life. Are we bearing fruit for the kingdom; are we faithful, loving people? No better time than today to go out and sow some seeds for the kingdom!
Eternity for Today