Sep 12, 20233 min read

Day 147 - Having the Generous Heart of the Master of the Vine Garden

Do you show the generous heart of the master of the vine garden?

For the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a house, who went out early in the morning to get workers into his vine-garden. And when he had made an agreement with the workmen for a penny a day, he sent them into his vine-garden.

And he went out about the third hour, and saw others in the market-place doing nothing; And he said to them, Go into the vine-garden with the others, and whatever is right I will give you. And they went to work. Again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour, and did the same. And about the eleventh hour he went out and saw others doing nothing; and he says to them, Why are you here all the day doing nothing? They say to him, Because no man has given us work. He says to them, Go in with the rest, into the vine-garden. And when evening came, the lord of the vine-garden said to his manager, Let the workers come, and give them their payment, from the last to the first. And when those men came who had gone to work at the eleventh hour, they were given every man a penny. Then those who came first had the idea that they would get more; and they, like the rest, were given a penny. And when they got it, they made a protest against the master of the house, Saying, These last have done only one hour's work, and you have made them equal to us, who have undergone the hard work of the day and the burning heat. But he in answer said to one of them, Friend, I do you no wrong: did you not make an agreement with me for a penny? Take what is yours, and go away; it is my pleasure to give to this last, even as to you. Have I not the right to do as seems good to me in my house? or is your eye evil, because I am good? So the last will be first, and the first last. (Matthew 20.1-16 Bible in Basic English (BBE))

The Lord can gather and reward his flock as he sees fit. You should be responsible for being the worker you are called to be when called.

Many resent those who benefit but do little for the benefit. The master in this parable is generous and loving to all, whether they were with him at the beginning or just began work. Think of when someone has "cut" in a line you have been standing in for some time. Almost everyone has a reaction to that, an adverse reaction. But what difference does it make?

Usually, someone did the work and stood in line for the newcomer. Did they not earn the right to let a friend or family member join them? Why are we in such a hurry that we believe one, two, or a few more really make a difference? Do you show the generous heart of the master of the vine garden?

Prayer:

Father, I am listening to your call and will act as I hear you. If I am unsure how to act, guide me with solutions to move forward when I should. Grant me patience and understanding, Lord, so that I might show a generous nature to others. Resentment is not a trait I want to foster. It is not of you. Your gracious invitation is one I won't deny, but I will admit there may be days when it is difficult to follow. With your strength and my faith, I will persevere and meet you in Heaven one day. Amen.