Life Journal May 3, 2008
Today's readings: 2 Samuel 7; 1 Chronicles 17; Psalm 2; Matthew 20

A Kingdom Mindset

Scripture

[Jesus speaking] "For the Kingdom of Heaven is like the landowner who went out early one morning to hire workers for his vineyard. He agreed to pay the normal daily wage and sent them out to work.

"At nine o'clock in the morning he was passing through the marketplace and saw some people standing around doing nothing. So he hired them, telling them he would pay them whatever was right at the end of the day. So they went to work in the vineyard. At noon and again at three o'clock he did the same thing.

"At five o'clock that afternoon he was in town again and saw some more people standing around. He asked them, 'Why haven't you been working today?'

"They replied, 'Because no one hired us.'

"The landowner told them, 'Then go out and join the others in my vineyard.'

"That evening he told the foreman to call the workers in and pay them, beginning with the last workers first. When those hired at five o'clock were paid, each received a full day's wage. When those hired first came to get their pay, they assumed they would receive more. But they, too, were paid a day's wage. When they received their pay, they protested to the owner, 'Those people worked only one hour, and yet you've paid them just as much as you paid us who worked all day in the scorching heat.'

"He answered one of them, 'Friend, I haven't been unfair! Didn't you agree to work all day for the usual wage? Take your money and go. I wanted to pay this last worker the same as you. Is it against the law for me to do what I want with my money? Should you be jealous because I am kind to others?"

"So those who were last now will be first then, and those who are first will be last."

Matthew 20.1-16

Observation

No matter when we accept the offer of the "landowner"--we all get an eternal payoff.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

Funny how we think God should do more for us just because we have believed longer. Like the workers, we believe our pay-off should be more than those who step on the scene at the last minute--rather than celebrate that they have decided to join us.

This parable was lived out with the thief on the cross--who, while hanging next to Jesus, dying--asked Jesus to remember him when He came into His Kingdom. Jesus responded, "Today you will be with me in paradise."

It's easy to think--'wait, that's not fair--he didn't have to do anything.' That's the great thing about grace--we don't have to do anything to earn it--we just have to be willing to receive it!

Today, may I celebrate all who come to the vineyard--whether they have worked for 80 years or one hour. May I look at them through Kingdom eyes--not judge them based on worldly notions. May I continue to invite and welcome everyone to join me--for it is never too late.

Prayer

Father God, I thank You that You extend Your gift of grace up until the very end of our lives. Lord, I pray that many will accept Your amazing gift and find themselves in Your Kingdom. Lord, may I embrace those that You send into the Vineyard--even at the last moment--celebrating that they have come, that they have accepted Your invitation. Father God, as I work in Your vineyard--may I do it with a joy-filled heart--inviting, welcoming, encouraging, and working with all You place there.