Readings for today: Matthew 20, Mark 10:32-52, Luke 18:31-19:27
Today’s devotional builds off of what I wrote yesterday as Jesus continues to expose the hardness of our hearts. He tells a story about day laborers who are hired to work in a vineyard. They are hired in waves. Some at first light. Others mid-morning. Some come at lunchtime. Others mid-afternoon. Finally, there are those who arrive an hour before closing time. Each and every one receives the same wage. If you are like me, you probably feel the Master is being a bit unfair. Maybe even exploitative, especially for those who’ve been working all day. This isn’t equal pay for equal work and those who put in more hours deserve higher pay. It just goes to show how little we understand the ethics of God’s Kingdom.
Our problem is that we tend to think “transactionally.” This is a natural consequence of growing up in a capitalist system. We work hard so we can earn a paycheck. We use our paycheck to pay the bills that fund our lifestyle. If I want more, I work harder. If I want to enjoy the finer things of life, I get more education, work my way up the corporate ladder, always be on the lookout for the better deal. Sadly, we approach relationships the same way. You scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours. You do for me and I will do for you. I’ll hold up my end of the deal as long as you hold up your end. As soon as one party reneges on the agreement or doesn’t fulfill their obligations, we are free to terminate the arrangement and move on. This happens in marriage. Family. Friendships. Business partnerships. Church. Even our relationship with God.
Jesus wants us to grasp the wideness of God’s mercy. The abundance of God’s generosity. The radical nature of God’s unconditional love. Our relationship with God is not based on works but purely on His grace. Whether we come to faith as a young child or on our deathbed, God gives us the same gift of eternal life. Whether we live a life of full devotion to God or we struggle to remain faithful along the way, God mercifully and graciously prepares a place for us. This is why Jesus is so appealing to tax collectors and sinners, prostitutes and beggars, the lame and the lepers. They all know they have nothing to offer God and have no expectation of being invited to be part of God’s Kingdom. It’s much different for those of us who are successful and wealthy, healthy and strong, popular and famous. We believe we’ve done well and have rightfully earned our spot in God’s Kingdom.
Again, I want to challenge you pray this simple prayer. Pray it as often as possible until it you believe it. God, have mercy on me, a sinner. Every single human being – no matter their position or the number of their possessions – is a sinner. Utterly guilty of breaking God’s perfect Law. We rightfully deserve God’s judgment and our only hope is a divine pardon. Thankfully, God promises to show mercy to all who humble themselves before Him. I encourage you to cry out like the blind beggars of Jericho today and receive the mercy of Jesus as He heals your heart and makes you whole.
Readings for tomorrow: None