Matthew 21:28-31a – What do you think? A man had two sons. And he went to the first and said, "Son, go and work in the vineyard today." And he answered, "I will not," but afterward he changed his mind and went. And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered, "I go, sir," but did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father? (ESV)

I have an electric cooker (or stove) with a tough, translucent black glass surface to protect the cooker elements from the saucepans. When the electricity is turned off at the switch, the red glow fades, but the heat generated by the cooking elements lingers in the glass for some time, hence the warning light. So if, in haste or in a distracted manner, you put things like plastic sponges, cloths, papers, or your hands on the glass surface, they will burn, very quickly, apparently. Ouch.

Today, I looked at the cooker with its red light that glowed temporarily on its top, and I pondered its reproach and the history we shared. The light shines out as a warning to the unwary that the glass surface is still hot from being used, and yet, it has caught us out and has led to remedial action needing to be taken, to salve the hurt, or clear up the mess, or put out the smouldering cloth.

As a Christian, sometimes, we are given the symbolic red light, a warning sign to be wary of what we are doing, and if we do not heed it, we may get burnt or badly scorched.

The sensationalism-hungry media has constantly promoted the failures and misdeeds of others. We comfort ourselves in thinking that we could not possibly ever do anything like that. But then, we stray from the paths of righteousness and disregard or totally miss the little red lights that God sends.

Have you recently seen any warning signs from God? Well, the good news for us is that if we are still breathing, it is not too late to humble ourselves, bend our knees, and repent of straying from God's love and will for us and His calling on our lives.

What is God saying to us today?

Have we asked?

Do we want to hear?

Prayer: Lord, it never ceases to amaze us that You can redeem, restore, and forgive that which no human would deem reasonable, and yet You do it anyway because Your love for us is boundless. Lord, we say to You today, "Speak Lord, for Your servant is listening. Here we go together into the day with You!" Please make us mindful of the warning lights that You have placed in our dangerous situations for our own or others' safety, in Jesus' name. Amen.

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About the author:

Rod Marshall <roderickhenrymarshall@gmail.com>
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England
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