When Grace Isn't Fair (Featured Devotion)

Day 19

Monday

When Grace Isn’t Fair

Luke 23:42

Then [the thief] said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”

To demonstrate how different the kingdom of God is from the kingdom of this world, Jesus told a parable that stands the notion of fairness on its head.  The owner of a vineyard hired workers throughout the day, up until the last hour of the day.  When it came time to pay them for their labors, every worker got the same pay as the ones hired first---the ones who had worked all day laboring in the sun.  Those hired first thought this was highly irregular and unfair.  They worked more and thought they deserved more than the others.

The principle that “the last will be first” (Matthew 20:16) is a kingdom principle illustrated in other places.  A thief, hanging next to Jesus on the cross, had his request for forgiveness and salvation granted in the last hour of his life.  Blind Samson, after his unfaithfulness led him to be captured and tortured by the Philistines, cried out to God for strength to pu8ll down the Philistine temple upon himself---and God granted the request.

We don’t earn God’s ear by our good works.  God hears and answers prayer by grace.  Don’t be afraid to call out to Him when you think you least deserve His help.

Recommended Reading: Judges 16:28-30

Quote

Christian doctrine is grace, and Christian conduct is gratitude.

J. I. Packer

From: “Turning Points” Magazine and Devotional

Turning Points