Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
Feb. 20, 2025
Matthew 20:8-16
’ 8 “When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager, ‘Call the workers and give them their wages, beginning with the last ones hired and moving on finally to the first.’ 9 When those who were hired at five in the afternoon came, each one received a denarion. 10 Now when those hired first came, they thought they would receive more. But each of them also received a denarion. 11 When they received it, they grumbled against the landowner, 12 ‘These who were hired last worked one hour, and they received the same pay as we did even though we had to work the whole day in the hot sun.’ 13 “But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I did you no wrong. Didn’t I agree to pay you a denarion? 14 Take what belongs to you and go. I want to give to this one who was hired last the same as I give to you. 15 Don’t I have the right to do what I want with what belongs to me? Or are you resentful because I’m generous?’ 16 So those who are last will be first. And those who are first will be last.”
Good Morning. Take time to praise God!
Each of us has probably muttered, “It’s not fair!” more than once in our lives. Beginning as young children, we find ourselves judging the apportionment of things. I have seen family Christmas gatherings where the first order of business is to count how many gifts each person has. Then, there is the dinner table question of who gets the last portion.
We fret over fairness even when we have everything we need. Why does it bother us when someone else is given what we believe we worked hard to receive? Jesus weaves our propensity to judge into his parables so that we might see our own faults as he shows us a new way to live.
If all are given what they need, why does it matter who got what when? Think of the outlaws hanging on the cross next to Jesus. The one who repents is forgiven his sins. Is it fair that he will spend eternity in paradise after living all but the last moments of his life as a horrible person?
But Jesus, “I have worked so hard for so long! Why does he receive the same gift of eternal life that I do?” The gift is always available to those who believe. If we accept the gift as a young person, we will have years of time in fellowship with our Lord. If we accept the gift as we die, we equally receive the gift, but we miss out on the years of love and comfort that Jesus provides.
The outlaw was lucky because he was allowed to choose Christ before it was too late. Don’t squander your opportunity to accept Jesus, for we do not know the day, nor the hour, that our time to choose will be gone.
Loving Lord, Maker of all things! You love us! We instinctively judge others. Help us let go and rejoice in the blessings we have received. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Follow Jesus’ teachings and show compassion to others.
Accept your gift today! Pastor Liz
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