He owned several acres of...
Illustration
He owned several acres of rich farmland. Numerous destitute people lived near him so he
shared. They could live on his land, occupy his buildings, and benefit from his
generosity. He wanted only a small percentage of the return. He gave two other minimal
requisites. First: treat one another fairly. Second: respect and honor him.
The landlord periodically checked on those lodgers. Some accused the owner of unfairness. They used his name to curse one another. Most acted as if they were the owners. Some trashed his property. Others fought with their neighbors. Disputes often ended in kidnappings, rape, and murder. That's no way to treat a good landlord, is it?
But consider this. You probably won't hold the title to your present residence in fifty years. A longer-lived spouse may occupy the place, or an offspring, or a nephew. But chances are you won't. Neither do you pay for the sunshine and rain you receive.
God is incredibly patient with us ungrateful, greedy occupants who mistreat one another - - and who curse using his name. Our eviction may be due. Are you properly "interpreting the present time"?
The landlord periodically checked on those lodgers. Some accused the owner of unfairness. They used his name to curse one another. Most acted as if they were the owners. Some trashed his property. Others fought with their neighbors. Disputes often ended in kidnappings, rape, and murder. That's no way to treat a good landlord, is it?
But consider this. You probably won't hold the title to your present residence in fifty years. A longer-lived spouse may occupy the place, or an offspring, or a nephew. But chances are you won't. Neither do you pay for the sunshine and rain you receive.
God is incredibly patient with us ungrateful, greedy occupants who mistreat one another - - and who curse using his name. Our eviction may be due. Are you properly "interpreting the present time"?
