This Week: Mar. 9-15
Better Late Than Never: The Call to Change
In Matthew 21:23-32, Jesus engages in a direct confrontation with the religious leaders, challenging their authority and exposing the disconnect between their outward appearance of righteousness and their actual obedience to God.
“Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you.” (Matthew 21:31)
Jesus shares the parable of two sons—one who refuses to obey his father but later changes his mind and one who agrees to go but never follows through. This parable forces us to ask: Which son are we? Do we talk a good game but fail to act? Or do we struggle at first, yet ultimately step into obedience?
Even if we have been slow to follow God’s calling, the door is still open. Jesus makes it clear: Better late than never.
Even if we have been slow to follow God’s calling, the door is still open. Jesus makes it clear: Better late than never.
Table of Contents
Key Points:
- Obedience is More Than Words – The second son gave the right answer but didn’t follow through. Our faith is proven by action, not just promises.
- God’s Grace Allows for Change – The first son refused but eventually changed his heart. Repentance is always an option.
- Jesus Calls the Unexpected – Those deemed "unworthy" by society were entering the kingdom ahead of the religious elite because they responded to God’s call.
5-Day Devotional
Day 1: The Call to Action
Scripture Reference: James 1:22
"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."
Are there areas in your life where you have said "yes" to God but have not followed through?
Action Step: Identify one thing you’ve been delaying in your walk with God and commit to taking action.
Prayer Prompt: Lord, help me not just to say the right things but to live them out.
"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."
Are there areas in your life where you have said "yes" to God but have not followed through?
Action Step: Identify one thing you’ve been delaying in your walk with God and commit to taking action.
Prayer Prompt: Lord, help me not just to say the right things but to live them out.
Day 2: God’s Timing is Different
Scripture Reference: 2 Peter 3:9
"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."
Have you ever felt like you missed your opportunity with God? What does this verse tell you about His patience?
Action Step: Write down a past mistake or delay in obedience. Offer it to God, knowing He still welcomes you.
Prayer Prompt: Father, thank You for Your patience. Help me trust Your timing.
"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."
Have you ever felt like you missed your opportunity with God? What does this verse tell you about His patience?
Action Step: Write down a past mistake or delay in obedience. Offer it to God, knowing He still welcomes you.
Prayer Prompt: Father, thank You for Your patience. Help me trust Your timing.
Day 3: The Power of a Changed Heart
Scripture Reference: Ezekiel 36:26
"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh."
Change is possible, no matter how long we've walked the wrong path. What area of your heart needs renewal?
Action Step: Pray for a specific transformation in your life.
Prayer Prompt: Lord, soften my heart and make me more like You.
"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh."
Change is possible, no matter how long we've walked the wrong path. What area of your heart needs renewal?
Action Step: Pray for a specific transformation in your life.
Prayer Prompt: Lord, soften my heart and make me more like You.
Day 4: The Company of Sinners
Scripture Reference: Luke 5:32
"I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."
Jesus welcomed those whom society had rejected. What does this say about who belongs in God’s kingdom?
Action Step: Extend grace to someone in your life who may feel like an outsider.
Prayer Prompt: Jesus, help me love as You love and see others as You do.
"I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."
Jesus welcomed those whom society had rejected. What does this say about who belongs in God’s kingdom?
Action Step: Extend grace to someone in your life who may feel like an outsider.
Prayer Prompt: Jesus, help me love as You love and see others as You do.
Day 5: Answering the Call Late is Still Answering the Call
Scripture Reference: Joel 2:13
"Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love."
It’s never too late to return to God. What’s stopping you from saying “yes” to Him today?
Action Step: Make a fresh commitment in an area where you’ve delayed obedience.
Prayer Prompt: God, thank You that I am never too late for Your grace. I say “yes” to You today.
"Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love."
It’s never too late to return to God. What’s stopping you from saying “yes” to Him today?
Action Step: Make a fresh commitment in an area where you’ve delayed obedience.
Prayer Prompt: God, thank You that I am never too late for Your grace. I say “yes” to You today.
Posted in This Week
No Comments