The kingdom of God is not in which we compare ourselves to one another and establish some ‘pecking order’ or hierarchy the way people in the world tend to lord their position over one another. Jesus said if you want to be great in God’s kingdom learn to be the servant of all. We all enter in by His grace and not by our worthiness, goodness, or energy applied on His behalf. Jesus told a parable that conflicts us because on the surface it offends our sense of fairness and equality. Whether you had the advantage of growing up in church (and the faith) or came to Him later in life… the same wonderful invitation is given and the same reward of a personal relationship with God through Jesus is offered, along with the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit. I wonder how many 11th hour people are still yet to decide to come into God’s kingdom? Let’s welcome them with open arms!!!
“For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. When he had agreed with the laborers for a denarius for the day, he sent them into his vineyard. And he went out about the third hour and saw others standing idle in the marketplace; and to those he said, ‘You go into the vineyard also, and whatever is right, I will give you.’ And so they went. Again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour, and did [e]the same thing. And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing around; and he *said to them, ‘Why have you been standing here idle all day long?’ They *said to him, ‘Because no one hired us.’ He *said to them, ‘You go into the vineyard too.’ Matthew 20:1-7 NASB
I wonder if my entrance into the kingdom has offended any already part of it? How welcoming am I to those just entering in?
God, as this day begins- I am anticipating all in my circle of friendships who may come in… even late in life. May they realize they receive all the benefits of kingdom life no matter how much they have delayed. However, I am sure they will be like me,… holding this regret: I wish I had come sooner. To my friends still deciding on Christ- remember those who tend to wait till the 11th hour often die at 10:30. Come to Him today. Today is the day of salvation. My hand is extended to help you in and along!
