Last but not Least – The Eleventh-Hour Conversion
Matthew 20:6-7
“And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing 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 too go into the vineyard.’”
Those Jesus spoke of here in this parable received the same pay as those who had labored in the vineyard the entire day. As a result, those who had worked all day had a problem with this. Jesus’ response to their complaint is profound! In Matthew 20:15 he says, “Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with what is my own? Or is your eye envious because I am generous?”
A Divine Revelation
Have you ever been jobless? Have you known the anxiety that comes with waiting for the phone to ring or an email to arrive that brings news of a job offer you desperately need? Have you known the fear and frustration of your bills mounting up with no money to pay them? Have you ever been picked last for a game or at a dance? Everyone else gets chosen, but you’re left standing there like an unwanted orphan. Those chosen at the eleventh-hour in this parable know the pain of these scenarios firsthand.
If you have been a believer for a long time, then you know the blessing of being picked early on for the work in the vineyard. You’ve experienced the comfort that comes with having the Lord there to walk with you through the storms of life. You have tasted of the Lord’s goodness and daily provision. He has been there to pray to, to talk with, to experience His strength in times of weakness. He has shown you His loving kindness, mercy, and faithfulness in all of life’s situations. You’ve also seen firsthand the way He works in your life in powerful, and sometimes, miraculous ways.
A Divine Challenge
Those of the eleventh-hour do not know this joy nor have they had that privilege. Yes, those of us who are saved will all receive the reward of eternal life in heaven with God, whether we come to know Him early in life or on our deathbed. However, none of us deserve it! Whether it is the murderer on death row who in the quietness of his last hour pleads for forgiveness from God and finds salvation through Christ or the person who has known a lifetime of serving the Lord. The gift of salvation is God’s to give as He wishes. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is a gift from God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast.” In a world obsessed with equity for all, this verse shows that, when it comes to salvation, God is the chief architect of equity.
Call to Action
The eleventh-hour parable testifies of the Father’s generosity that comes into play when we need it the most. Those who had benefited from a full day’s work failed to comprehend the love and mercy of God that they themselves had received! As a result, they questioned the fairness of the vineyard owner. We too question the fairness of God when He acts in ways that are contrary to how we think He should act. Unfortunately for those of us who do, we will hear the same rebuke He gave to them, “Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with what is my own? Or is your eye envious because I am generous?”
Father, we often do not understand Your ways, and therefore, in our arrogance we often question Your fairness as it pertains to salvation. The murderer, the rapist, and the child molester can’t possibly deserve the gift of heaven. Right!? Sadly, believing this negates Your desire that none perish, and all come to repentance. It also exalts the lie that salvation is deserved. May this parable set us straight! In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen!