Scripture
“So those who are last now will be first then, and those who are first will be last.”

Observation
Jesus tells a parable to show how kingdom values overturn earthly values.

A vineyard owner goes out several times in the day to hire workers. Some work all day through the heat while others are hired late and work just one hour.

At the end of the day, the owner pays them all the same pay- a full day's wage. The men who worked all day complain but the owner says to them, “I've paid you what we agreed.”

Application
God's grace goes beyond fairness. We are used to certain standards of justice such as equal pay for equal work.

But God is not interested in what we do for Him- it's all about what God does for us.

If the reward for being in the vineyard is eternal life then the important part is being in the vineyard not how much work you've put in. If the reward is an infinite life then it's mathematically impossible to give some more than others.

We live by God's grace. We are raised to eternal life by God's grace.

Whether we live a life of holy toil or live a life of sinful indulgence and convert on our death bed is not the issue. The focal point is God's amazing grace. Nobody earns a place in God's kingdom.

Prayer
Lord we are so used to judging what is fair, but your grace is not about fairness at all. Help me to rejoice in you and your abundant love for all people. Amen.