May 3, 2012 (2 Samuel 7; 1 Chronicles 17; Psalm 2; Matthew 20)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “He answered one of them, ‘Friend, I haven’t been unfair! Didn’t you agree to work all day for the usual wage?” Matthew 20:13 NLT
Observation: The land owner, that “evil” rich man, was accused of being “unfair” because he chose to give the same pay to those that had only worked an hour or two. The workers that agreed early in the morning for what they would work for became jealous because these that worked little had received the same pay. The land owner let them know it was his business what he did with his money! Is it against the law for me to do what I want with my own money? Should you be jealous because I am kind to others? I have paid you what you agreed to work for, take your money and go!
Application: There’s a timely message in this parable for us who live in the year 2012. If you turn on the news you will surely hear about how some “evil” rich person has been “unfair” to the poor and “less fortunate”. Evil corporations and all their profits are being withheld from the poor and this is unfair! We demand that the government take that rich persons money and give it to those who did not work! In the name of fairness, of course! Yet no matter how we try to justify our jealously, the facts show us we are acting just like the jealous workers in Matthew 20. We should repent of our jealously and get up and go to work!
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for giving me the ability and opportunity to work. Thank You for the privilege of repentance. Thank You for a clean heart and a right spirit that only You can provide. Thank You for Your amazing grace and mercy that provide and protect me everyday! I pray that You would protect the innocent from the jealously of others and encourage each person to work hard and be content with the wages they agreed to receive. Cast jealously far from me and place within my heart the desire, and freedom, to give. In Jesus name, Amen!