So it is that many people think that just because they have been a Christian longer than another, they are entitled to more rewards in heaven than a baby Christian. However, this is not God’s intent at all. And I wonder how anyone would ever think that God would give them a bigger reward than anyone else. For another person that is saved by the blood of Jesus is also blessed in the same way. Think of it this way… Just because somebody may have believed in Jesus longer, it does mean that they were actively seeking Him or doing His will. That is why, sometimes, even the newer Christian’s excitement can pave way to even more experiences in God’s kingdom than a person that has been a Christian there whole life. To each person, God simply asks that we work in His vineyard. These are those that are part of the kingdom of heaven and are saved. All others that stand idly by, doing nothing, have nothing to show for themselves and therefore, have no rewards in heaven. Even there is no place for them there, because they had no heart or desire to serve the living God. Now in Matthew, chapter 20, verses 1 through 16, we will dive into what this all means in detail. Jesus explains it better than I can and therefore, we will read from God’s Word, in order to understand.
Matthew 20 reads, 2“for the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, 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 marketplace, 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 the Lord God calls every person to work in His vineyard and the end reward is the same when all is set and done. Now, one part that really sticks in these verses was the Lords question to the people, 2“why stand ye here all the day idle?” You know as much as I do that not everybody puts themselves out there for God. They instead, are found doing their own things, while God continually calls unto them. Know that those that respond are blessed by God and those that do not are damned to hell in judgement.
We will continue to read, starting with verse 8. It reads, 2“so when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, 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 goodman 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.” And so it is that often times, those that served longer with God think that their reward is greater than those that are newer to the faith. And it is there complaining, in judgement, that they will learn that everyone that loves and serves God is equal in the amount of blessings they receive. Therefore, it is better to work together in God’s kingdom. For pride may bring you to a point where you no longer serve the Lord and his reward is not for you.
Now, we will finish up with verses 15 and 16. it reads, 2“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.” To those people that complained because of their lack of rewards, they will understand that God’s grace is for everyone. Even those that thought they should have more rewards than the new Christians, the Lord God will explain that true believer is equal. It is not an evil thing that He is doing by giving every person in the faith the same reward. Therefore, it is better to just walk in the light of Jesus with all humility and encourage people in the faith. To those that are new to the faith, welcome them in with your whole heart. Don’t treat them any differently. Lastly, when it comes to there be many that are called but few are chosen, this means that not everyone excepted the invite to work in God’s kingdom. The harvest is ripe but there are only few labors that listen to God’s calling and enter it, in order to do God’s will. These are the chosen of God. Now listen to what Jesus said concerning His harvest, 1“the harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.” And the Lord has called us all. Have you listened and obeyed?
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray everyone that says that they are Christian, will also step up and do Your will. May they no longer stand idly by while there is work to do in Your kingdom. We are all called to follow You after we come to faith, but not everybody listens. This is there sad choice and if nothing is done about this, You have taught me that there will also be no rewards in heaven or entrance also. For I know that You honor those that are truly are on Your side. You have called us into Your fold knowing that many will be called but few that listen. And with those that listen, some of them will only follow You for a time and then back out later. You have also helped me realize that many people will come to You later in their lives and then live out their faith to the fullest. I just pray that everyone that knows You, Jesus, will stay focused on serving You till the end. And may there be no complaining among those people that have been a believer longer than most. Instead, give these people a humble and a loving heart, that they may be able to welcome in the new believers and help them along the way. I know Lord that service in Your harvest is needed but laborers are few. This I also pray for. That more people will get involved, if it is evangelism, church service, and helping those in need. May our will be for You and no longer for things that do not save. Surely, only You can save us from hell and lead us to heaven. This I pray that more people will respond to Your guidance and direction. I love You Lord. Amen.
Let us read the Bible:
Note: Any Numbered References, found above, are listed below.
1Matthew 9:35-38 (KJV)
35 And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.
36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.
37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;
38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.
2Matthew 20:1-16 (KJV)
1 For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard.
2 And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.
3 And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace,
4 And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way.
5 Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise.
6 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?
7 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.
8 So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first.
9 And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny.
10 But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny.
11 And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house,
12 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.
13 But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny?
14 Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee.
15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?
16 So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.
