This chapter includes the parable of a master of a vineyard (Matthew 20:1-26). Let me paraphrase; this owner of a vineyard highers some guys to work for a denarius. Let's just say, to make it more applicable to today's society, these guys were working one long day for $50. When the job is almost done, a couple of new workers show up, and the owner decides to go ahead and pay the new workers $50 too, even though they're only putting in 1 hour of work while the original workers have slaved away for a whole 8 hour shift. Of course, the guys who worked the full shift are upset that the newbies are being paid the same amount, so they start to gripe. The owner simply reminds the workers that they agreed to do their work for $50 and how he chooses to pay the other workers is his business. "Take what belongs to you and go." He says, "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?"
This parable brings a couple thoughts to mind:
God doesn't always operate how we think he should, and it's not up to us to question him or to even try to understand how he chooses things to be. Worldly ways are not godly ways. Also, the fruit of salvation is offered to all who accept Christ, whether its while they're young and live a long life of discipleship, or if they come to Christ ten seconds before death.
Tomorrow?
Chapter 21
Tomorrow?
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