God’s Hope for Your Heart from Matthew 20
JESUS IS GENEROUS
“…I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?” So the last will be first, and the first last.” (Matthew 20:14b-15)
Sometimes when we read the story of the vineyard workers, it’s quite easy to identify with the frustration of the first group. After all, who wants to work really, really hard only to see someone else get the same reward for only a fraction of the effort? It’s not fair!
When we read the story, though, it’s absolutely critical that we remember one key thing.
We are not the first group of workers, we’re the last.
The Bible says clearly that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23) and that “the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23a) Oh, we are workers all right, but our work was in opposition to the desires of God. That’s what makes the second half of Romans 6:23 so incredible: “but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
When you feel like you just don’t measure up to God’s standards on your own, rejoice! Jesus does, and He is generous.
When you feel like other people should get what they deserve for not being as holy as you, repent! Jesus is not impressed with your performance, but He is generous.
Whether you question how God could love “them” or how He could love you, rejoice! His love only depends on the performance and worthiness of one person: Jesus, and Jesus is generous.
May you find peace with yourself and patience with others as you remember that the ground is level at the foot of the cross, and may you be blessed with hope as you walk in the light of this truth: Jesus is generous.
-Pastor Phillip
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