God is the one who opens our eyes to the gift of his grace to us in Jesus. 

Luke 20:9 – 13 

The parable of the tenants 

⁹He went on to tell the people this parable: ‘A man planted a vineyard, rented it to some farmers and went away for a long time. ¹⁰At harvest time he sent a servant to the tenants so they would give him some of the fruit of the vineyard. But the tenants beat him and sent him away empty-handed. ¹¹He sent another servant, but that one also they beat and treated shamefully and sent away empty-handed. ¹²He sent still a third, and they wounded him and threw him out. 

¹³‘Then the owner of the vineyard said, “What shall I do? I will send my son, whom I love; perhaps they will respect him.” 

This passage just plain makes me sad. We treated God’s Son so badly when he came to the world, and God’s messengers before Him. How is it that that we mere humans can have the nerve to reject the creator of the universe? How blinded by sin we must be to act in such a way.  
While it saddens me, I am in the same moment reminded of Christs’ sacrifice. He gave everything for people who rejected Him.  

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 
 

Over the last couple of years, I have on occasion thought about whether we choose God or if he chooses us. And I have become convinced more and more that I never would have chosen Him if it were up to me. My default is bitterness, pride, and insecurity. All things that hinder me from thinking of others above myself, God included.  
And so, I have come to understand that my own faith is a gift from God. He gracefully opened my eyes to Himself and saved me. No mutual transaction was made. He gave and I received. I brought nothing to table. He simply gave me a gift, but the only reason I knew it existed is because God slowly but surely opened my eyes to it. He opened my eyes to who He is, what He has done and who I am because of both of those.  

 Head: Consider the world and its rejection of God. In what ways do you do the same? What are your defaults? 

Heart: Have you noticed how God changes your heart? Have you noticed how our defaults and engrained paths of sin can be transformed? 

Hands: Keep turning to God in all things…remember His Gift. 

Prayer: Lord it grieves me that you suffered so much on the cross to save me. Thank you for opening my eyes to my profound need for you. Thank you for not only saving me but for being with me in all situations, giving me strength, wisdom and peace that surpasses all earthly knowledge. You are more wonderful than anything this world could offer. Please keep my eyes only for you. 

Amen 

A song to listen to: A Gift 

Celina Fyffe 

Living Church – Creek Road