The Plan!

When someone is hired by a company, there is usually an agreement drawn up regarding wages and benefits. Among the benefits may be a pension or retirement plan. However, when the economy is not doing too well, sometimes those agreements are renegotiated in order to save the company and the jobs. This may mean that new employees will not have the same benefits or some benefits may be dropped for all employees. Though that may not seem fair -- especially since an original agreement was made -- it can unfortunately be a reality in this life.

In one of Jesus' parable He used an employment scenario; laborers in a vineyard. ( Matthew 20:1-16) The parable begins. . .

"(1) For THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS LIKE a master of a house who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. (2) After AGREEING WITH THE LABORERS FOR A DENARIOUS A DAY, he sent them into his vineyard." ( Matthew 20:1-2 ESV)

As we read on we find the owner of the vineyard going out about the third hour (9 a.m.), the sixth hour (noon), and the ninth hour (3 p.m.), hiring other workers who were told he would pay them "whatever is right." The owner even went out about the eleventh hour (5 p.m.) and sent some others who would have worked only one hour. Then all were called in to receive their wages for the work done that day. The one in charge was instructed by the owner to "Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last, up to the first." (vs.8) What did those who came last receive?

We read. . .
"(9) And when those hired about the eleventh hour came, EACH OF THEM RECEIVED A DENARIUS. (10) Now when those hired first came, they thought they would receive more, but each of them ALSO RECEIVED A DENARIUS." (Mathew 20:9 ESV)

Perhaps we are not surprised by the expectation of those who had worked longer. After all, they had endured the heat and burden of the day's labors (vs.12), yet those who had worked only one hour were made equal with them.

Keeping in mind this parable represented what "the kingdom of heaven is like" we read the response to these workers. . .
"(13) But he replied to one of them, 'Friend, I am doing you no wrong. DID YOU NOT AGREE WITH ME FOR A DENARIUS? (14) Take what belongs to you and go. I CHOOSE TO GIVE TO THIS LAST WORKER AS I GIVE TO YOU. (15) Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or DO YOU BEGRUDGE MY GENEROSITY?'" ( Matthew 20:13-15 ESV)

The hope God HOLDS OUT TO ALL is the same. There is no distinction made between. And it is perfectly fair, because none of us deserves a reward anyway. It is because of the GENEROUS MERCY AND GRACE of God that we have such a hope.

In Paul's second letter to Timothy he encouraged. . .
"(8) Henceforth there is laid up for me the CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, which the Lord, the righteous judge, WILL AWARD to me on that Day, and NOT ONLY TO ME BUT ALSO TO ALL WHO HAVE LOVED HIS APPEARING." ( 2 Timothy 4:8)

Whatever God has offered to us HE WILL ALWAYS BE ABLE TO FULFILL. There is no need for renegotiation. There are no benefits that will be dropped due to the economy. Whether our accepting and following Jesus is begun early or late in life (though it is a decision we dare not gamble putting off) the reward is the same. In this we should rejoice that not only can we receive a glorious eternal reward (everlasting retirement in Heaven), but others around us can as well. It is the plan God has offered with the desire for all to accept and receive.

Have a great day ABSOLUTELY COUNTING ON WHAT GOD HAS OFFERED US IN CHRIST!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Expectations