Parables of Christ - Part 22

Labour and Reward

The Audio Version of today’s note

The House of Bread · Voice Note For 20241025 - Labour And Reward - Parables Of Christ - Part 22

Matthew 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.

Note for 20241025

We have read a few times in the Word of GOD that the first shall be last and the last shall be first. The Jews were unhappy with Christ and His disciples for consideration of the sinners, shall we be unhappy if GOD redeems them just before the end?

Friends, because of what I do, this is a great warning for me. And it should be for those who have laboured for the Lord a long time. Let us remember that the goal is to save the souls of mankind. Let us remember that GOD is GOD of all, whether they acknowledge Him or not, He is the Creator of all. We give nothing to others, than from that which we received from GOD first.

We are the labourers in the field, don't you know that by now? Through trials and tribulations shall we enter into the Kingdom of GOD. And what are we called to do?

Jude 1 KJV

[21] Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. [22] And of some have compassion, making a difference: [23] And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

Ephesians 6 KJV

[12] For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Are we not all called to service for the same Eternal Salvation in Jesus Christ?

He that is the pay master is the steward that pays the wage of all. But, the steward of the lord can only give what the lord permits. Who is it that conditions the heart of man to find favour for another?

Exodus 14 KJV

[4] And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, that he shall follow after them; and I will be honoured upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host; that the Egyptians may know that I am the Lord. And they did so.

Now I ask you, why do man riot in the streets for higher wages? In the Lord's prayer, we pray for GOD'S will to be done, but when it does not favour us... Do we riot in the streets or even in our heart? Do we go to war with the steward, the pay master? Or, do we make our requests known to GOD in prayer, in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ?

Let's see... Some of you may know that a wind gust brought half a tree down on our property this week. The insurance said that they would not pay out for the felling of the compromised tree and removal of the rubble, after the work has been done. We prayed to GOD, for we were under the impression that they would, from conversations that we had with them. There were risks of damage, concerns for injury and loss of life for passers by, so we went ahead before we heard that they wouldn't pay. The end result, after peacefully making our case: they did pay out and the labourers, who worked so hard, received their reward for their labour. GOD brought the outcome that was fair.

In this life, if we stand under the protection of the LORD, we can see the heavenly principles at work. But, that means that we must live by them too, not only call on GOD when it serves us best. Why do we riot in the street then, to force someone else to do things according to our will? No, friends; then we have become like the hirelings that murmured in their hearts that we read of in this parable. Shall we complain if GOD chooses to save someone we don't approve of? Be ready then, for you will see it. For when Israel repents before the Lord in their hour of distress, the Lord will save them, just as it is written. Shall we then cry about our persecution, even if it came by their hands? Shall we not rejoice for the lost sons that have returned? For he that is first shall be last and he that is last shall be first... Is that not written here in the scripture of today? We are called, but who was chosen? Does repentance come without some trouble? Are they being troubled now, with a prospect of more trouble? What is written? Let GOD'S will be done, for He has worked out the Salvation plan for all. Trust in God above all.

Shalom

The House of Bread

Verse of The Day

(YouVersion - Expanded from verses 13 & 14)

Psalm 139:13-17 KJV

[13] For thou hast possessed my reins: Thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. [14] I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: Marvellous are thy works; And that my soul knoweth right well. [15] My substance was not hid from thee, When I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. [16] Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; And in thy book all my members were written, Which in continuance were fashioned, When as yet there was none of them. [17] How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! How great is the sum of them!