Unfair To The Natural Mind

                                            When The Door Slams

Indeed, it is true that God does not act wickedly and the Almighty does not pervert justice. Who gave Him authority over the earth? Who put Him in charge of the entire world? If He put His mind to it and withdrew the spirit and breath He gave, every living thing would perish together and mankind would return to the dust.                      Job 34:12-15 NKJV

            One of the most unfair parables Jesus told--unfair to the natural mind--concerned a landowner who hired men throughout the day to work in his vineyard. They all stopped work at the same time and were paid the same wage. 

            The last men hired were paid the same as the first men hired--and the first men hired grumbled about the unfairness of everyone being paid the same amount even though not everyone worked the same amount (Matthew 20:1-16). The landowner replied, "What's unfair about me doing with my money what I will?"

            Jesus' parable was directed toward the religious leaders, who thought it unfair that latecomers to the kingdom of heaven should receive the full measure of grace and kingdom standing as those who had devoted their life to God. Jesus' point is that God's actions are a blend of justice, grace, and mercy, all balanced by His perfect purposes. God is never unfair, but He is always just, gracious, and merciful. Faith comes when we trust Him to blend those elements perfectly in every situation.

           Think about this: God is the landowner, and we are the workers. It is His right to do as He will with what is His. The same grace that brings us salvation gives strength to live biblically in this age. We need grace-based living, but that can only happen as we focus our thoughts on God's Word and live it out.

            Affirmation: For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age (Titus 2:11-12).  

Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin. Acknowledge these to the LORD and thank Him for His forgiveness.  

                                                Never Rest Ministries