Matthew 20:12

New International Version

 ‘These who were hired last worked only one hour,’ they said, ‘and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.’

For Meditation

They came expecting more than the last hired man. What shocking news greeted him—the same wage for him as for the most recently hired person.

“No! That is not fair! We worked more hours than him. He just came in and worked the last hour of the day.”

To which the master said: “I reserve the right to pay each worker the same amount, for that is what you signed for. Do not let that disturb you, rather, rejoice. But if you want me to treat you fairly—give you what you deserve—maybe my angels can show you the right place you deserve to be, HELL! That is not what you are asking for, is it, pal?”

The Good News is that God has treated us more than reasonably—more than we deserve. Christ has held back from us what we deserved and given us what we did not deserve. It is called grace (Ephesians 2:8-9). Oh, how amazing it is and sweet the sound of it!

Grace saves the sinner through faith alone in the Son of God, who died to pay the price for our redemption.

Rejoice, therefore, with the criminal on the cross Jesus took with Him to Paradise, you who He called when you were young. For there is only one wage Jesus has for all He calls. Eternal Life! That is the only way you can enjoy the blessedness of your salvation until glory embraces you.

Shalom