Being Grateful

"When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last ones hired and going on to the first.’ “The workers who were hired about five in the afternoon came and each received a denarius. So, when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each one of them also received a denarius. When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner. ‘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.’ “But he answered one of them, ‘I am not being unfair to you, friend. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius?" - Matthew 20:8-13

To bring this into perspective, a person becomes a Christian when they are young and live faithfully until the end of their days. Another person lives a life of sin far from God and on their deathbed pray to receive Jesus as Lord and find eternal life through him. Both receive the same reward. In light of the parable, the ones who have "toiled" their whole life might wonder why the one who has lived apart from God until just before their last breath receives the same reward.  Is that fair? Think about it. When the person on their death bed finds salvation by faith there is as much rejoicing in heaven as there was with the young person. 

The cynic might ask - how do you know the person about to die was serious, there was no proof in a changed life. That is true. But I would remind you that salvation is between that person and God - not you. We have fulfilled our responsibility by seeking that which was lost and sharing the Good News that Jesus saves. We will know about the veracity of that prayer when we see Jesus face to face. 

"When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” - Matthew 20:24-28

Have you ever marveled at a preacher or teacher - perhaps placing them in a place of higher standing in Christendom than yourself? I know that I have. There is nothing inherently wrong with acknowledging the effective manner in which another Christian exercises the gifts given them by God for His purposes. They are just being faithful with what they have been given. For that they can be credited. But there is nothing eternal that they might convey through word or deed that does not find its source from God. Those two brothers were seeking recognition and position among the Saints. Jesus made it clear that the one who is recognized as being great in the kingdom of God must be last - a servant - just like Jesus. That does not leave any room for pride or position.

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory. 

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone