Mark 12:1-3 (KJV)
And he began to speak unto them by parables. A certain man planted a vineyard, and set an hedge about it, and digged a place for the winefat, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country.And at the season he sent to the husbandmen a servant, that he might receive from the husbandmen of the fruit of the vineyard.And they caught him, and beat him, and sent him away empty.

Jesus seemed to increasingly use parables the closer it came to His crucifixion. It is as if He were preparing us for the mysterious nature of post resurrection faith.

The lessons that may be drawn from this parable are many but my focus is in the grace it represents. What grace the owner showed. Sure, in the end he destroyed the husbandmen but he did not do it quickly. The fact that he destroyed them tells us of his ability. He could have done this at any time. He did not. Again and again he sent servants. Again and again they were mistreated or killed. Again and again mercy was bestowed upon them.

Do not think to be sorry for these husbandmen. I cannot imagine what destruction might have been theirs but:

• It did not come quickly 
• They must have been smitten in conscience and
• They were given ample opportunities to repent

When destruction from the Lord comes, it always seems like it comes suddenly and without warning. Not so. Grace has been extended. In some cases grace has been so free for such a long time we cannot recall when it began.

When Christ returns it will seem as if it catches people by surprise. That is true only for those who have refused to listen.

When death and hell are delivered into the Lake of Fire and brimstone it will occur in but a moment. Never forget that there have been thousands of years of grace that “whosoever will” could have received, but instead rejected.

To my readers:
First of all, thank you! It is a great joy to me to know you read the thoughts and lessons God has given me in His word. Secondly, I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave comments.

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Mark 12:1-3 (KJV) When Destruction Comes

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