Why Do You Stand Here All Day Idle ? Matt 20 Vs1-12

Paraphrase: The story in this parable is all about a man who went out at different hours of the day to hire labourer into his vineyard. 3rd hour (9.00am), 6th hour (12noon) and the 11th hour ( very close to the end of the day) maybe 5pm. At the end of the day, he paid them equal wage.

What are the significances of this parable, what can we learn from it? You might want to say that the man was unfair to these people especially those he recruited at the early hour of the day.

1. The parable teaches us about faithfully serving in God’s vineyards. We must be faithful, diligent in the things of God. Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest. (Ecclesiastes 9:10 KJV)

2. The parable teaches us that entrance into God’s kingdom is a matter of privilege and not merit. Ephesians 2: 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.

3. We should be careful not to feel superior because  of fortunate position or assignment we are given. Rom12:3: For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

No one can receive anything unless God gives it from heaven. (John 3:27 NLT)

4. Avoid the spirit of envy towards the spiritual blessing of others. Matt. 20:10-12: But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny. And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house, 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. (Matthew 20:10-12 KJV)

We all got born again or met Christ at different time in our lives. Some at a very tender age (e.g Samuel) 3 types of children; no home training, home training but refuse to accept like Eli’s children). Some at youthful age,(maybe Paul). Some when they became adult and others when they are almost at their grave.( maybe Colenius)

God is much more interested in how diligent, committed, faithful we are in our service to Him when we were recruited into His vineyard. It is not how long, but how well. I have been born again or been a christian for the past  20,30,40 years or more is insignificant, it does not matter. What matters to God is how faithful we are in what interest Him. In our service to him.

I pray the Almighty God will help us to live up to the standard He wants us IJN

To all the father in the house, I congratulate us for witnessing another Father’s Day . This message is for us as well. Each family God has appointed us to head is a vineyard of God. We can not afford to be idle there or not carrying out our assignment as thorough as we ought to, knowing fully that God will reward us accordingly at the end of the day.

Once again, I wish everyone of us  happy Father’s Day.

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