Scripture - Matt 20:8-16 "So when evening had come, the owner of the vineyard said to his steward, 'Call the laborers and give them their wages, beginning with the last to the first.' 9 And when those came who were hired about the eleventh hour, they each received a denarius. 10 But when the first came, they supposed that they would receive more; and they likewise received each a denarius. 11 And when they had received it, they complained against the landowner, 12 saying, 'These last men have worked only one hour, and you made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the heat of the day.' 13 But he answered one of them and said, 'Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? 14 Take what is yours and go your way. I wish to give to this last man the same as to you. 15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good?'
Observation - Jesus is teaching his disciples in the this parable about the sovereignty of God and God's unending wisdom and mercy. In this parable Jesus relates the story of a landowner who hired a bunch of guys to do some work on the land. He hires them at all different hours of the day yet pays them all the same wage. Being disgruntled about how things played out the men began to complain. The landowner explains several things: 1. It was his money 2. He could do what every he wanted with his things 3. Each person received exactly what they were promised 4. Any issues they had regarding the pay was strictly due to their misunderstanding of the situation. Jesus explains through this parable that God is sovereign and holy and can do with his kingdom exactly what he wants, he explains that even those chose last will have a place in the kingdom and that we should rejoice over others blessings.
Application - So often we get disgruntled when others are being blessed. That some how we are deserving of more because we have been serving more. The truth is that we are serving so that others can be blessed. I am reminded today to rejoice in others blessings, to be happy when others are brought in and to get excited about God choosing others to take part in kingdom relationships.
Prayer - Father help me to look at others with eyes of joy and bless those that are being blessed. God help me to rejoice with them in their blessings.
