Scripture

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

Observation

Jesus tells a parable about the Kingdom of Heaven.

A landowner goes early into the town to employ workers. He goes again at different times in the day, promising each batch of workers that he will pay what is fair. He even goes at five o’clock in the afternoon when there is only a limited time of daylight left for the men to work,

At the end of the day, when the men are to be paid, the landowner instructs, the foreman to pay first those who were employed last. He pays these people a full day’s pay The men who were there all day complained when they receive the same amount as those employed at the end of the day,

The landowner responds that he is free to do what he likes with his own money.

Application

Sometimes people complain that those who experience a deathbed conversion are getting something of a free pass from God. They have been free to sin all their lives and still get to go to heaven.

This overlooks the fact that following Jesus is abundant and fruitful life now. Those who get saved in their last few days or weeks of life are the ones who have missed out on God’s glorious, grace.

In this parable, the people who worked one hour in the vineyard were paid exactly the same as those who worked the whole day. The landowner knew that these men still needed the full day’s pay to get through their lives and support their families.

Whether we come to faith early in life or later in life, we need the same amount of grace. We need the same forgiveness. And because God’s grace is unlimited, there is always enough for everyone who will receive it.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, your way of doing things confounds us at times. I thank you that you are wiser than me. Amen.

Scripture

Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking it is impossible, but with God everything is possible.”

Observation

After the rich young ruler leaves feeling sad because Jesus told him he had to sell his possessions and give the money to the poor, Jesus tells His disciples that it is very hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of Heaven. It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle.

The disciples ask “Who then can be saved?”

Jesus replies that in human term, it is impossible, but with God everything is possible.

He goes on to say that when He returns in glory and the world is made new, then those who are now important will be less so, while those who are the least important now will be the greatest

Application.

The disciples are amazed at the teaching of Jesus. He tells them it is impossible for the rich to be saved. The disciples think if rich people with all their advantages cannot be saved, then who can?

The answer is nobody can be saved by their own resources. Whether we are rich or poor, we all need God’s help, God’s grace, to be saved. Nobody can get into the kingdom by their own efforts.

But what is impossible for man is possible for God. Praise be to Jesus! He has opened the door for all who will go through. His death on the cross, paid for my sins and yours as well.

With God, everything is possible, even the salvation of a sinner like me.

Prayer

Thank you Father for saving me. Thank you for the cross which opens the door for all who trust in Jesus. Amen.