Oct 25 - Matthew 20:2

After agreeing with the laborers

for the usual daily wage,

[the landowner] sent them out

into the vineyard.

Matthew 20:2

You probably know the parable. Throughout the day, a landowner hires laborers. Those who've worked longer, naturally think they deserve to be paid more. Surprisingly, however, the landowner pays them all the same -- the usually daily wage.

Normally we tell this parable in terms of fairness. If we're wise -- realizing that what we really deserve is punishment for our sins -- we ought to be thankful that our God is gracious instead of fair!

The question I want to ask today is: What is the usual daily wage?

• Is it daily bread? Or have we come to expect certain tastes and flavors and conveniences in our food? Have we come to expect that we deserve to eat out a few times a month?
  
• Is it a roof over our head? Or do we covet a bigger house with a few more amenities?
  
• Is it basic clothing? Or have we been concerned with style?
  
• Are we content with the 33 years Jesus lived? Or do we kind of think we deserve to live well into our 80s before we -- or loved ones -- start dealing with real health problems?

My parents taught me that life is not fair. To three demanding sons, they must have said it hundreds of times! In my life, I didn't get trophies for finishing fifth. If someone got further, I learned to thank God for their skills, their opportunities, and even their good fortune to be in the right place or right team at the right time. And I learned to work harder.

Life is not fair. Therefore, we all need a little perspective. 

• Can we be thankful for what we have? Or will we be victims?
  
• Can we rejoice in another's good fortune? Or will we covet, be jealous, or claim unfairness?
  
• Will we love and forgive? Or will we hold onto grudges?

Christ sets us free -- not because we deserve anything, but because he loves us. He far exceeds fairness. He gives us riches.

In Christ's Love,

the richest man in the world