DAY 73 of #100daysofJesus
It's never too late to choose to follow Jesus.
One of Jesus' most hope-giving parables was that of the laborers in the vineyard. He taught that this parable represents the kingdom of heaven.
In this parable the hirer goes out several times during the day to hire laborers to work in a vineyard, once early in the morning, the second time later in the morning, then early afternoon, mid afternoon, and, finally, just an hour before the end of the workday.
Interestingly, the early morning group agrees to a fair day's wage, in this case one penny, while the later groups all accept work for the vague promise of "whatsoever is right I will give you."
They were obviously feeling desperate for work knowing they would not have a full day to labor!
At the end of the workday, each group of laborers is rewarded with the same wage, one penny. The earliest group that had "borne the burden and heat of the day" were not pleased with the perceived inequity even though they fairly received what they had agreed.
When you consider the reaction of the laborers who felt unjustly treated, think about the response that essentially asked, "Why should you be jealous because I choose to be kind?"
One of Jesus' Apostles, Jeffrey R Holland, gave a discourse in April 2012 General Conference about this parable that has powerfully impacted how I interpret and apply it. I will share a few thoughts here but encourage you to read the full message - it's soo good!: http://churchofjesuschrist.org/.../the-laborers-in-the...
Elder Holland teaches, "There are going to be times in our lives when someone else gets an unexpected blessing or receives some special recognition. May I plead with us not to be hurt—and certainly not to feel envious—when good fortune comes to another person? We are not diminished when someone else is added upon. We are not in a race against each other to see who is the wealthiest or the most talented or the most beautiful or even the most blessed."
I know I sometimes fall into this trap and have to remind myself that the contest is not with those around me but with sin.
He continues: "This is a story about God’s goodness, His patience and forgiveness, and the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is a story about generosity and compassion. It is a story about grace. It underscores the thought I heard many years ago that surely the thing God enjoys most about being God is the thrill of being merciful, especially to those who don’t expect it and often feel they don’t deserve it."
How beautiful is that!
"His concern is for the faith at which you finally arrive, not the hour of the day in which you got there."
And the last quote I'd like to share: "However late you think you are, however many chances you think you have missed, however many mistakes you feel you have made or talents you think you don’t have, or however far from home and family and God you feel you have traveled, I testify that you have not traveled beyond the reach of divine love. It is not possible for you to sink lower than the infinite light of Christ’s Atonement shines."
I believe this is true with all my heart. It fills me with hope and gratitude. Jesus' grace is available for each of us, regardless of where we are on our mortal journey. Trust Jesus!
(Matthew 20:1-16)
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