Revcort's Ramblings

Scripture Focus
“Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. And even when you saw it, you did not afterward change your minds and believe him.” — Matthew 21:31–32 (ESV)

Devotional Thought
Jesus’ parable of the two sons draws a clear line between words and obedience. One son said, “I will not go,” but later repented and went to work in his father’s vineyard. The other said, “I go, sir,” but never went. It’s easy to speak the language of faith — far harder to live it.

This parable exposes the hypocrisy of those who claimed devotion to God yet refused to respond when truth came to them. The religious leaders looked the part, said all the right things, and prided themselves on their heritage and knowledge. But when John the Baptist came preaching repentance, they refused to humble themselves. Meanwhile, the tax collectors and sinners — the very ones society despised — believed, repented, and obeyed.

The heart of Jesus’ message is not about who talks of righteousness, but who turns toward it. God’s mercy is always open to the repentant heart. As Ezekiel 18 reminds us, if the sinner turns from wickedness, he shall live; but if the righteous turns away from righteousness, he shall fall. Repentance is not a one-time act — it’s a continual posture of heart that keeps us walking in step with God’s will.

In the end, the true child of God is not the one who merely says “I go,” but the one who actually goes — who repents when they fail and obeys from the heart. The Gentiles, once far off, were welcomed through faith; the self-assured religious were left outside because they would not bow in repentance.

God values sincerity over show, repentance over reputation, obedience over empty promises. What matters most is not what we say we will do, but what we actually do in response to His call.

Reflection Questions

1. Are there areas where your words and your obedience don’t align?
2. When confronted by God’s truth, do you respond with humility or pride?
3. How does repentance keep your relationship with God genuine and alive?

Closing Prayer
Father, thank You that Your mercy is greater than my failures. Help me not to be content with words alone, but to live in obedience to You. Forgive me where I’ve said “yes” but failed to follow through. Give me a heart quick to repent, ready to serve, and eager to do Your will. In Jesus’ name, amen.