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 expected more than the last hired man. To their shock, all received the same wage.

“No! That is not fair! We worked more hours than the one who came in the last hour.”

In response, the master replied: In my economy; I reserve the right to pay each worker what I have determined. Everyone receives the same amount, whether they join at sunrise or near sunset. You received exactly what you agreed to when you began. If the equal pay troubles you, reflect on this difference: you ask for fairness, but true fairness would give you what you deserve—and perhaps that’s far less pleasant. Would you rather have justice or share in my generosity?

With this in mind, the good news is that God has treated us more than fairly—giving us more than we deserve. He has held back what we deserved—judgment—and instead given us what we did not deserve: mercy and grace. Grace is not simply a fair wage, but an unearned gift. Grace! O, how amazing and sweet its sound!

Building on this, you are saved by grace through faith in the Son of God, who died for the sinner’s redemption—not by works. This is God’s gift so that none can boast before Him (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Therefore, rejoice, you redeemed, with the criminal on the cross whom Jesus saved in his last hour (Luke 23:43). He received Paradise with the Savior by grace. Jesus offers only one wage to all He calls: eternal life (John 3:16). Only then will you enjoy the blessedness of salvation until glory embraces you.

The ultimate question is, have you received salvation by grace through faith in the only Savior, who is Christ Jesus, our Lord (Ephesians 2:8-9)? Then, praise Him.

But if you are not sure as you examine yourself (2 Corinthians 13:5), take the Romans 10:9-10 challenge for your Grace Ride into a new life in the kingdom of God (John 1:12-13; 3:3,16). The Great Exchange is yours to claim—your sin for His righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21).

What a Savior in Jesus to deny!

Pray with Me

Thank You, Lord of all creation. You worked righteousness for me, the ultimate sinner, and gave me faith to believe in Christ. How could I complain about your grace to another soul? Receive all glory through Christ my Lord. Amen. 

Shalom

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