It’s important to notice this passage begins, “For the kingdom of heaven is like …” This is a spiritual lesson. I’m not sure how helpful it is as a model for employment, recruitment, or leadership. I’ve heard it used both against and for unions, depending on perspective.
It’s hard to criticize the householder here, since the parable makes it clear he represents God. The real lesson concerns God’s grace in His eternal plan. A good “surface” lesson would be: do not criticize God’s grace in salvation.
I’m impressed with the first laborers hired:
- They were the only ones who agreed to their wages.
- They were the only ones who worked through the whole day.
- They were out early.
- They hustled to get employment.
- They knew they could take care of their families.
I’m glad there is grace. I’m glad God provides even for those who put little thought into life. A person may rise late, have little hustle, and still find a way to live and even enjoy life. But most of the time, such people live off the fruits of those who rise early, secure good-paying work, and labor faithfully all day.
Let’s hear it for the responsible ones!
Spiritually speaking, I’m glad there are “deathbed conversions.” I’m glad the thief on the cross could call upon Christ and be saved, even after living a life worthy of judgment. I’m glad he didn’t have to be baptized to be saved. I’m glad for those who come to Christ late in life. I’m glad God forgives everything except the final rejection of Christ. I’m glad someone can be casual in their faith and still be saved. I’m glad for grace.
But let’s hear it for those who sell out to Christ.
I suspect many deathbed conversions, latecomers, and occasional churchgoers live spiritually off the fruits of those who have “borne the heat of the day.” Those who engage in spiritual warfare through prayer, who study to show themselves approved unto God, who are in the house of God every time the doors are open. Those who spend long hours preparing messages, Sunday school lessons, and music. Those who witness and win souls. Those who clean the building, fill the paper dispensers, and straighten the songbooks.
The faithful must be careful not to complain that God loves and cares for the others—for those others would have little to enjoy without the faithful.
Let’s hear it for the committed, responsible, surrendered ones!
#GraceInTheVineyard #GodsEternalPlan #CommittedAndFaithful #LaborForTheLord #KingdomOfHeavenLessons
Grace for All, Honor the Faithful
God’s grace saves the latecomer and sustains the faithful who labor long in His vineyard. 🌿 Matthew 20 reminds us that whether you come early or late, salvation is all of grace.
👉 What do you think—are you more like the early worker who labors faithfully, or the one who came late but still received the Master’s reward? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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