Workers in the Vineyard
In today’s text I read:
Matt 20:13 But he answered one of them, Friend, I am doing you no injustice. Did you not agree with me for a denarius?
14 Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this man hired last the same as I give to you.
15 Am I not permitted to do what I choose with what is mine? [Or do you begrudge my being generous?] Is your eye evil because I am good?
16 So those who [now] are last will be first [then], and those who [now] are first will be last [then]. [d]For many are called, but few chosen.
Four things I see in this that are helpful to me:
1. Every man cuts his own deal. Job and financial opportunities come to us all the time, we decide what we are worth. Certain positions only pay certain amounts, and some money is always better than no money, but we should be looking to be in the right field, working for the right Master, that values us and rewards us well for our efforts. If we are self employed, Jesus is our direct Master, and we need to be diligently seeking Him for His direction, promotion, provision, favor and means of maximizing our effort for maximum result.
2. The opportunity offered was open to many, but only a few even showed up at the place of service.
3. The pay was no based upon longevity, faithfulness, or service, but only upon the generosity of the Master. Our income can radically increase when we obey Jesus. Availability trumps ability. Obedience is better than sacrifice and hard work.
4. Only a few may make the grade. Luke 19:13 And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. Read this parable carefully. Ten servants were called, only three showed up to give a report of their stewardship. The one who buried his talent, lost it, which means that only two out of ten servants, were ever heard from in Scripture again. Eight disqualified themselves! It is imperative that we not only hear the voice of Jesus, but that we obey quickly, and give it everything we’ve got!
What is He saying to You, today? How can we maximize our effectiveness for the King today?
Romans 1:5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:
1 Samuel 15:22 And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams
Let’s Pray:
‘Father, life is busy, with many opportunities to work, grow, learn, and move forward. Help us to fully obey you, that we might maximize our eternal impact today, and every day. We ask, knowing we are heard and answered, for we ask in Your name Lord Jesus, Amen’