One Gift For All

“So the last will be first, and the first will be last.” ~Matthew 20:16 CSB

In the book of Matthew Jesus tells the parable of some vineyard workers.  A landowner goes out early one morning and finds individuals to work his land for an agreed price of ‘one denarius’.  The landowner went out later at nine in the morning and saw others standing around and offered them the same money for the same work.  He did this again at noon, three and five o’clock in the evening.

When ‘quitting’ time came, the landowner told his foreman to call everyone in to get paid.  He said in verse 8 to pay them, “…their pay, starting with the last and ending with the first.”  Those that were hired at five o’clock being paid the same wages did not sit well with those who had been hired in the morning and worked the land all day in the burning heat.  They began to complain to the landowner about being paid more because they were hired first.  The landowner simply told them, that they had agreed to work for the amount they received.  The landowner also said that it was his money and that he had a right to be generous with it.  “So the last man will be first and the first will be last.”

Tony Evans says in his Commentary Bible: “Through this story Jesus was teaching that God is both fair and generous. While the Jews expected better treatment from God because of their background as God’s people, the Gentiles would be objects of His compassion as well.”

Salvation was always in place for God’s chosen people. Because of Jesus Christ, that same salvation has been made available for everyone.  If you are one that has just started your journey in Jesus name, do not compare yourself to someone that has been in the Word all their life.

The bible says in Romans 10:9 “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”  This is the beginning of the same wage in salvation from God and His gift of a unique, custom made blessings for all of us.  Like the landowner, God is fair and generous with His gifts. Accept them and be forever grateful for the awesome God we serve. 

​May God continue to bless and keep you grounded in faith and love on your journey in Jesus name.
Amen.

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