Responding to God’s intervention in our lives shapes our present and future. One of my friends was an older adult when he came to Jesus. One day the work of the Holy Spirit made it clear he was living a life of sin that separated him from the Lord. Although he had been in church many times, this day was different. He sensed he needed to humble himself and walk out of the mess he had made of his life.
He later asked Jesus into his heart and began to live a new life. God opened his eyes to see the folly of his past life. His current and eternal life had all changed in one day. Most people may not experience such a life-changing event. Adjusting to God’s intervention in our life is often one slight adjustment after another. Over time minor adjustments add up to significant adjustments that transform our lives.
When God’s Intervention Falls on Hardened Hearts
The Lord loves when people respond to the Holy Spirit and come to Him in faith. Unfortunately, too many people ignore the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives and harden their hearts. In our story, religious leaders question Jesus’ authority. As a result, He tells them a parable to show the condition of their hearts.
A man plants a vineyard, but when it comes time to collect his share of the harvest, he sends out a servant. The farmers do not want to give up the owner’s share of the crop and beat up the servant. Later other servants are sent out only to be killed.
Mark 12:6Until there was only one left—his son whom he loved dearly. The owner finally sent him, thinking, ‘Surely they will respect my son.’ 7 “But the tenant farmers said to one another, ‘Here comes the heir to this estate. Let’s kill him and get the estate for ourselves!’ 8 So they grabbed him and murdered him and threw his body out of the vineyard. [1] The parable showed the religious leaders they were like wicked farmers. But instead of repenting, they hardened their hearts and turned away from the Lord. How many people in hell regret their hardened hearts? For them, it is too late, but it is not too late for you!
Change My Heart, Oh God
When we respond to the Lord’s intervention in our life, He reveals that our hearts need to change. The Lord, in His mercy, begins to open our eyes to our need for faith and transformation. A heart that responds to the Lord becomes moldable and teachable. It may seem slow, but the Lord changes and softens us over time. Isaiah 64:8 And yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are the potter. We all are formed by your hand. [2]
To hear more about responding to God’s intervention, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/mark-jesus-authority-challenged
[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Mk 12:6–8). Tyndale House Publishers.
[2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Is 64:8). Tyndale House Publishers.