Meditate. Think deeply. Don’t just read these
words of Jesus as listed today in the Lenten lectionary.
 |
| Grapes from our yard. God ultimately owns the vineyard. |
"Now listen to another story. A certain
landowner planted a vineyard, built a wall around it, dug a pit for pressing
out the grape juice, and built a lookout tower. Then he leased the vineyard to
tenant farmers and moved to another country. At the time of the grape harvest,
he sent his servants to collect his share of the crop. But the farmers grabbed
his servants, beat one, killed one, and stoned another. So the landowner sent a
larger group of his servants to collect for him, but the results were the same.
Finally, the owner sent his son, thinking, 'Surely they will respect my son.'
But when the tenant farmers saw his son coming, they said to one another, 'Here
comes the heir to this estate. Come on, let's kill him and get the estate for
ourselves!' So they grabbed him, dragged him out of the vineyard, and murdered
him. When the owner of the vineyard returns, Jesus asked, "what do you
think he will do to those farmers?" The religious leaders replied,
"He will put the wicked men to a horrible death and lease the vineyard to
others who will give him his share of the crop after each harvest." Then
Jesus asked them, "Didn't you ever read this in the Scriptures? 'The stone
that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone. This is the LORD's
doing, and it is wonderful to see.' I tell you, the Kingdom of God will be
taken away from you and given to a nation that will produce the proper fruit."
Matthew 21:33-43
Who is this story really about? The Pharisees say a couple of verses later
that Jesus was telling the story against them. Yes…they were the murderers.
Jesus was the owner’s son. Jesus was prophesying his own death. He knew what
the Pharisees wanted to do. Is the puzzling part here about the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you
and given to a nation that will produce the proper fruit? It is obvious
that the Jews are still God’s chosen people, but additionally God has adopted
those who believe in Him, so those Gentiles are considered to be “chosen”
people, family.
Did God's people stumble and fall beyond
recovery? Of course not! They were disobedient, so God made salvation available
to the Gentiles. But he wanted his own people to become jealous and claim it
for themselves. Now if the Gentiles were enriched because the people of Israel
turned down God's offer of salvation, think how much greater a blessing the
world will share when they finally accept it. Romans 11:11-12
When I read Scripture I often think how it
affects us and how we can apply it to our lives. What about this particular
passage? It is genuinely encouraging—God has His chosen people…the Israelites.
They are still His chosen people, but He has opened His heart, His arms and His
home to those who believe in Jesus as their Savior. Rejoice if that includes
you. I am.
Prayer ~ Lord God, With Christ as my
witness, I speak with utter truthfulness. My conscience and the Holy Spirit
confirm it. My heart is filled with bitter sorrow and unending grief for Your
people, my Jewish brothers and sisters. I would be willing to be forever cursed—cut
off from Christ!—if that would save them. They are the people of Israel, chosen
to be Your children. You revealed Your glory to them. You made covenants with
them and gave them Your law. You gave them the privilege of worshiping You and
receiving Your wonderful promises. Romans 9:1-4. You’ve made promises to Your
adopted children as well. I rejoice in Your love and look forward to being
received into Your Heavenly Home one day along with all the other believers.
Friday’s
Feast at the King’s Table
There is fresh asparagus at a reasonable
price in the grocery stores now. I love it roasted, but it is also good steamed
or simply made into a soup. Enjoy some of this tasty vegetable soon.
Asparagus Soup Serves:
8 to 12 servings
3 lbs fresh
asparagus, rinsed well
8 c chicken stock
4 Tbsp unsalted
butter
1 c minced shallots
1 c minced leeks,
whites only, well rinsed
1 Tbsp minced garlic
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp ground white
pepper
½ c half and half
cream
¼ c finely grated
Parmesan, garnish
Trim the attractive top tips from the
asparagus, about 1 to 1½ inches in length, for use as garnish later. Cut the
woody stem ends from each spear and reserve. Cut the remaining tender stalks
into ½-inch pieces.
In a medium pot, bring the stock to a
boil. Add the tough woody stems, lower the heat and simmer
to infuse with asparagus flavor, 20 to 30 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon
and discard, reserving the stock. Add the decorative tips to the stock and blanch
until tender, 1 to 1½ minutes. Remove with a strainer
and refresh
in an ice water bath.
Drain on paper towels and reserve for the garnish. Reserve the stock.
In a medium stockpot, melt the butter
over medium-high heat, then add the shallots
and leeks and cook until tender, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until
fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the chopped asparagus stalks, salt, and pepper,
and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Add the reserved broth and simmer until the
asparagus are very tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from the heat.
With a hand-immersion blender
or in batches in a food processor,
puree the soup until smooth. Adjust the seasoning, to taste. If serving right
away, return to medium heat and add the cream and reserved asparagus
tips. Cook, stirring, until the soup is warmed through, about 3 minutes. Alternatively,
if serving the soup later, do not add the cream and let cool at room
temperature (or in an ice water bath). Cover and refrigerate. Before serving,
add the cream and asparagus tips, and warm the soup gently over medium heat,
stirring occasionally.
Ladle into bowls or cups, sprinkle with
cheese and serve.
Recipe adapted from Emeril Lagasse,
2003
©
2020 Text and photos by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
Unless
otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation,
copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of
Tyndale House
Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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