Grace Wasters By : Rev. Arnel Tan Matthew 20:1-16 Parable of the Vineyard Workers 1 For the Kingdom of Heaven is like the landowner who went out early one morning to hire workers for his vineyard.2 He agreed to pay the normal daily wage* and sent them out to work. 3 At nine oclock in the morning he was passing through the marketplace and saw some people standing around doing nothing. 4 So he hired them, telling them he would pay them whatever was right at the end of the day. 5 So they went to work in the vineyard. At noon and again at three oclock he did the same thing. 6 At five oclock that afternoon he was in town again and saw some more people standing around. He asked them, Why havent you been working today? 7 They replied, Because no one hired us. The landowner told them, Then go out and join the others in my vineyard. 8 That evening he told the foreman to call the workers in and pay them, beginning with the last workers first. 9 When those hired at five oclock were paid, each received a full days wage. 10 When those hired first came to get their pay, they assumed they would receive more. But they, too, were paid a days wage. 11 When they received their pay, they protested to the owner, 12 Those people worked only one hour, and yet youve paid them just as much as you paid us who worked all day in the scorching heat. 13 He answered one of them, Friend, I havent been unfair! Didnt you agree to work all day for the usual wage? 14 Take your money and go. I wanted to pay this last worker the same as you. 15 Is it against the law for me to do what I want with my money? Should you be jealous because I am kind to others? 16 So those who are last now will be first then, and those who are first will be last. The Kingdom of God observes a different law from a different ruler. It observes the rule is grace and truth. Jesus illustrates how grace operates in this parable of the vineyard and its workers. Here we see a generous land owner who lavished his workers with grace at the same time grace lavishly given revealed the greed lurking within. Instead of grace awakening the greedy workers wasted Gods grace. Believe me this parable of Jesus will have different effect on different people to the grateful grace receivers this is liberating! While to the greedy grace wasters this is unfair. Remember the parable is not about fair labour its about grace! If fairness were thoroughly observed then none of them will be working in the vineyard. Grace was offered and grace though lavishly given was wasted. I see the story of the ten lepers again here. So how is grace wasted? Whats the spiritual scenario that surrounds those who wasted grace, and those who did not? What are the traits of grace wasters? How are we doing it today? Many have received grace but not really enjoying it... Wasted grace, oh how foolish. Lets dig deeper and d prayerfully find a new kind of liberation by Gods amazing grace. How and why grace was wastes? See the traits of grace wasters: UNCONFRONTED ENTITLEMENT- its the feeling of superiority and the unembarrassed demand to be served. It is an absolute denial of ones true physical and spiritual condition. Like a parasite it requires others to lavished them with their best because they deserved it. It not about basic human dignity its about wicked human depravity. See the pattern Twisted identity (view of self as deity) ( you need me) Proud demand ( you owe me instead of I owed you) Diabolical greed ( not only pay me but please me) If you dont see the depth of your need and admit the depth of your unworthiness grace is not appreciated. UNGODLY EXPECTATIONS- here they displayed that self reigns. Performance is priority not intimacy. Heres the obvious attitudes they displayed: They acted like owners instead of servants. Tyrants in salve clothing They wanted more, they expected much They pretended to be fair to cover their envy They cried unfair labour to vent their anger against the Masters generosity. Their pay is more than enough their greed is too much UNGRATEFUL EXPRESSIONS- they did not only kept their gracelessness in the heart they are not ashamed to show it publicly. What was supposed to be an inquiry is actually an assault. The protest is not an exposé of unfairness on the part of the Landowner; it was revealing the wounds of the heart infected with jealousy. Heres the unholy four Cs gracelessness COMPARE COMPETE COMPLAIN CONDEMN In what way that these signs of graceless traits are ours? UNTHINKABLE EXCLUSIVITY- while the gracious land owner wanted to extend grace to as many, infant ask them to call some more despite the working hour is now very minimal grace wasters wanted exclusive blessings on the basis of their work. This may look like diligence to some no this is arrogance before God! Salvation is exclusively found in Christ this is truth, but to say salvation is limited to our group this heresy Salvation by faith in the righteousness of Christ is truth, salvation based on my good work is false. So is salvation that does not result to true change is fake! The offer of grace is extended to as many as the Land owner desires, grace wasters wants a patent of it The offer of grace is not designed for a few it is a model so that many can avail The only exclusive thing here is the source of grace....the rest is for all, though not all will accept this offer Concluding thoughts Master is so gracious that despite their attitude the greedy workers were PAID! Grace wasters received grace but never have enjoyed it Grateful receivers of grace got both grace and the enjoyment in it In the lens of Gods favor abounding your life how are you responding? How do you view yourself? Whats your reaction when God chooses to bless others like He did to you? In what way God is showing you your greed? Let us not be grace wasters..... Gods gift is not just going to heaven, Gods gift is His Son! Given to the most undeserving people like us! Grace must be enjoyed! Dont was it by comparing, competing, Condemning others. Amen
Posted on: Sun, 06 Jul 2014 07:30:32 +0000
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