Highlighting – “10 So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each one of them also received a denarius. 11 When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner. 12 ‘These who were hired last worked only one hour,’ they said, ‘and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.’ 13 “But he answered one of them, ‘I am not being unfair to you, friend. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius? 14 Take your pay and go. I want to give the one who was hired last the same as I gave you. 15 Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?’”
I love this passage! Here, Jesus uses a parable to illustrate the dispensation of the Gospel, first to the Jews, then to the Gentiles. We who have come later to work in the “vineyard”, is due to the timing of when we heard and accepted the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The best part is, everyone who comes to Jesus Christ in faith receives the same reward of eternal life in Heaven with God – how amazing!? God isn’t concerned with how long you’ve been in the faith, but the fact that you’ve come to believe. So, while the Jews were regarded as God’s “people”, we, Gentiles, are now called His children as well and receive the same inheritance that comes with being a part of His Kingdom (Ephesians 3:6).
How many of us “long-time” Christians behave like the early workers in this parable and are upset when God blesses those who are new to the faith, but haven’t been “toiling” as long as we have? Consider the parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32. How many of us get upset, like the older brother, because the younger sibling that strayed receives more honor than us (who stayed), at their return? We must remember God’s grace is His to give out, and it’s by no merit of our own that we receive it. Sometimes those who are new converts are better Christians than those who have grown up in the Christian faith. Timing doesn’t matter as much as sincerity of heart – have you truly been transformed from the heart? If so, you wouldn’t be worried about how others are being blessed, and you wouldn’t measure someone else’s blessings against yours…you would genuinely just be happy for them.
The Gospel call is made to all who will listen, and to those who receive it, God appoints you to do His Kingdom work. As a disciple, work for the Lord with all your heart, knowing that in the end you will be glorified with Christ. Also, if you’re a believer, your work in Christ is never in vain – whether you are first or last.
Dear Father, thank You that Your grace is dependent on You alone. I am not deserving of any blessings You’ve given me, let alone eternal life. Thank You that Your love for me is so great, that You made a way for me to have a relationship with You through belief in Your Son, Jesus Christ. I can’t thank You enough for what You’ve done for me. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!
Recent Comments