I’m reading a book called, “The Parables of
Jesus,” by George A. Buttrick. It was published in 1928. It’s a wonderful book
that gives deep insights into the parables of Jesus. One that impressed me this
morning was on the parable of, The Vineyard Owner and the Laborers found in Matthew chapter 19.
The story is
of a man who needs laborers and goes early to the marketplace to hire some. He
finds men standing around waiting for work and hires them. They agree on a wage
of a denarius for a day’s work. The man
goes back many times during the day because he needs more help. Finally, he
goes at 5pm and asks the men there, “Why are you idle?” They answer him, “Because no one has hired
us.” He says, “You go too into my vineyard.”
At the end
of the day, the owner pays them all the same wage – a denarius. The ones who
worked the longest were angry. They questioned why those who didn’t work as
hard or as long got the same amount they did. The owner said, “Friend, I am not
wronging you. Can I not do what I please with what is mine? Have you a grudge
because I am generous?”
Jesus
finished the story by saying this, “So the last will be first, and the first
last.”
He told this
story after Peter had reminded Jesus that he and the other disciples had left
everything and followed him. “What shall we get for this?” was his question.
The author
writes, “Life, lived abundantly, does not ask, “What shall we get?” God is not
the Keeper of a ledger entering a credit or debit account, according as a man
observes or fails to observe certain holy regulations…”God has subtler tests
than the piece-measure and the time-clock. Everlastingly, the motive of a man’s life proclaims his
worth.”
The author
proposes the early workers are those who greet each day with strength and
resolution. They perhaps have great talent, a keen mind and a healthy
body. “But others drag crippling chains
of inheritance, or beat against confining walls of circumstances. Who will hire
them? They would like to serve God, but cannot serve him as they would like to.
“No man has hired us.” But their intention is accepted as their deed!”
After
reading this chapter, I thought of what I said to my husband once after we had
been members at a church for a long time. “We aren’t like most of these people.
We are damaged goods. We could never be an evangelist or preacher.”
We had both
been horribly abused when we were children. Because of that, we both had a lot
of emotional problems. Sometimes I felt like I was hanging on to God by my
fingertips. What help could I be to someone else? And my hubby had anger issues
because of all the beatings he endured. Neither of us were the picture-postcard
of a Christian.
Reading this
parable explained, I understand now that it is okay to be the last in the
vineyard! Hallelujah! I’m happy with that position. I’m glad God is pleased
with whatever I can do for him, even if it is very small.
