Years ago, during a severe recession, I recall the frustration of not being able to get a job. Day after day I would apply for work to no avail. Finally I was able to secure a position with a company that hired day laborers. The job required me to call in every morning for a work assignment. It made me very appreciative of even a few hours of work for the day.
Being a day laborer with the uncertainty of a paycheck each day reminded me of the parable of the workers in Matthew 20:1-16. In the parable, workers are hired at five different times during the day. I can relate to the workers hired later in the day who likely had given up hope of having any work or pay for that day. On those days when I didn’t have any work, I felt rejected.
During that time, I greatly appreciated anyone who would offer me work—even just a couple hours. It was a far different feeling than having a steady job to go to each morning and expecting a full day’s pay for it. As a day laborer hired later in the afternoon, I would have expected only a few hours of pay. I would have been overwhelmed if I was paid a full day’s wage. Likewise, I would’ve been upset if I worked all day and someone who only worked an hour was paid a full day’s wage. I would be apt to grumble instead of celebrating that they had a good income for the day.
So often in this world we focus more on the unfairness of life and what others receive that we do not. That attitude can seep into our Christian life. Instead of grumbling, we should celebrate those who accept God’s offer to believe in Jesus and join Him in Kingdom work, even later in life. We should praise God for his generosity, his love and grace that is extended to all no matter what our status on this earth.
But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:8-9, NASB
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140 Character Christian 