"The kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder," Christ declared, "which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard. And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the market place, and said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way.
"Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise. And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle? They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive. So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the laborers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first. And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny.
"But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny. And when they had received it, they murmured against the good man of the house, saying, these last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day. But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny? Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee. Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good? So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen." Matthew 20:1-16.
Happy are those who exercise their faith in the word of God, trusting Him to save them, they will be the recipient of his grace and His kingdom. In this parable we see that it is not the length of time one spent in the service of God but rather the spirit in which they did God's Work, their love and fidelity expressed as they labour for their Master.
Those who love Jesus must live their lives according to his commands. Such ones, wherever they may be, will be honoured by God for their faithfulness. Let us humble our hearts before God, pleading His forgiveness.
“Stay away from foolish people; they have nothing to teach you. Why is a clever person wise? Because he knows what to do; Why is a stupid person foolish? Because he only thinks he knows. Foolish people don't care if they sin, but good people want to be forgiven. Your joy is your own; your bitterness is your own. No one can share them with you. A good person's house will still be standing after an evildoer's house has been destroyed. What you think is the right road may lead to death. Laughter may hide sadness. When happiness is gone, sorrow is always there. Bad people will get what they deserve. Good people will be rewarded for their deeds.” Proverbs 14:7-14
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