“For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire men to work in his vineyard” Matt 20:1
Have you ever felt passed over, not chosen, even rejected by God? Well this scripture offers hope and encouragement. (Read the whole passage in Matthew 20 v1-16). The men were waiting in the marketplace and were hired a few at a time throughout the day. Some were called to work for the last hour of the day. Why is that encouraging? They were all paid the same!
They were actually paid for the time they were available for work, not just the time spent working. What if they had got discouraged and gone home feeling rejected and missed the call? They would probably discouraged others from waiting too. Can you imagine them saying “It’s a waste of time, no-one is going to hire us now. I came early with my tools, ready to work and I waited all day, but some-one else was chosen every time. It’s not fair. I did everything right and I still wasn’t chosen.”
It is significant that the workers were paid in reverse order; the ones who worked least were paid first. It seems that everyone was meant to witness this strange way of rewarding labour. The ones who worked all day began to expect more than they agreed to work for, thinking they deserved more than those who only worked for one hour. They probably felt superior to those chosen last. They may have been stronger, taller better looking or just more confident. (If you have ever played playground games and been picked first to be on the team you will understand. Likewise if you were always last to be picked.) God does not choose us because we deserve His favour, even if we are more educated, talented or religious. He chooses the foolish and the weak to demonstrate His grace (unmerited favour).
Don’t be discouraged because you can’t understand God’s plan for your life. The bible tells us that Joseph was sold as a slave and spent years in prison unjustly before his dreams came about. If he had become angry and bitter towards God, he may not have been able to interpret pharaoh’s dream and ultimately save his own family.
Esther had the dubious privilege of being chosen to be queen, locked in a harem for life, but later realised that God had put her there. She was able to thwart the enemy’s plan to destroy her people.
Daniel was in captivity, serving his captors and there he developed a strong faith in God. When the time came for him to stand up and be counted, he was ready.
Take courage and spend your waiting time developing spiritual muscle . God looks at our heart and is pleased when we have a right attitude. So stay humble, trusting God to exalt you in His time. You will find He rewards the wait just as He rewards the work.
