“And he went out about the third hour and saw others standing idle in the marketplace; and to those he said, ‘You go into the vineyard also, and whatever is right, I will give you.’ And so they went. Again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour, and did the same thing. And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing around; 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 go into the vineyard too’” (Matthew 20:3-7).
The Lord does not tire of inviting people to come into His vineyard. Some come early and some come late. The Father desires that none would perish. So long as it is day, there is work to be done. The harvest – the people who are hell-bound – are many and those who will reach out and share the Gospel are few. Working in the Lord’s kingdom is a privilege. Are you willing to come into the Lord’s labor?
Lord, You know I have heard this message over and over. You know that doing what You want me to do on a personal level is often all I am willing to do. Raise me up and shake off my attitude so that I have compassion upon others as You have had compassion upon me. Let me see that there is much work that needs to be done in Your vineyard and to go in and work diligently where You place me.
Lord, our retirement-attitude mentality prepares us to relax and play. You tell us there is work to be done. Guide me away from the foolishness of this age to live into the reality of all that You are preparing. Lead me in Your goodness and mercy so that I may humbly walk in the way You will have me go, doing what You give me to do, thankful that I have been included in your plan of salvation. Amen.
