A young man became a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. Later, he felt called by God for ministry, so he went to a Bible College. However, he did not like the assignments, tests, and other academic disciplines. Hence, he ran away and ended up in a seaport working in a ship dismantling company. Carrying huge loads, enduring hard work, and being bitten by mosquitoes, he remembered the prophet, Jonah. He decided to return to the Bible college, completed his education, and engaged in ministry. The Lord taught the parable of two sons. (Matthew 21:28-32) Both sons were perfect, but one became righteous, another rebellious.
Initiative: Both sons lived in the house. They were obliged to participate in the daily chores of the house. However, they preferred to be left alone. But the father took the initiative to reach out to both of them and assigned them the duties.
Direction: The father went to both sons and told the same thing: Son, go and work today in my vineyard. First, it is about a relationship that is to be celebrated with privileges and responsibilities. Second, they have to go on a mission, errand, or task that the father assigns to the sons. Third, sons should be stewards to work faithfully with dedication and excellence. Four, it is the vineyard that belongs to the Father.
Delayed obedience: The first son was defiant and did not want to work. Later, he repented and completed the task. Spontaneous obedience is the best. Delayed obedience is better than disobedience.
Pretended obedience: The second son said he would go, but did not. There was outward compliance, but internal rebellion. He never intended to go, but gave a fake promise.
Will of the Father: The first son was compared to sinners or commoners, or prostitutes, whom the religious elite excommunicated from the community. Those who obeyed late will enter the Kingdom of God, rather than those who never obeyed. The young man, like Jonah, ran away but repented and fulfilled the will of the Father.
Do I obey spontaneously, or delay obeying or disobey?