When all else......

"Jesus said to them, "Have you never read in the Scriptures;" (Matthew 21:42a)

When all else fails "read the directions."  How often do we hear that?  How often do we say it!?  I tell people I follow directions except on my needlework - I reserve the right to do 'my own thing' with needlework.  There have been times, however, when I needed to go back and "read the directions" -- like when it took three times to make a sweater to fit my Dad.  Two times wrong, then the person at the yarn shop said "read the directions" and the third time the sweater fit.

Jesus is speaking to the Pharisees, in this Gospel reading, but also to us.  Jesus is pointing out how the tenants of the "vineyard" have treated the "son of the owner."  The Pharisees, and us(?), recognize they are who Jesus is talking about.  The suggestion to "read the Scripture" is in reference to Jesus' coming, the prophets and what happens.  It is also a call to "read AND follow the directions."

What about us and our relationship with God, through Jesus Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit?  Are we strengthening our relationship by "reading the Scriptures"?  Is it time to FOCUS -- Fixing Our eyes on Christ Uniting for Strength?