August 30, 2023 - Matthew 19-21

The generosity of our Savior! In the parable of the workers, even though the last worker started late in the day, he was given a full day’s wages. That’s how he deals with us. And even those who might be tempted to think, as did those who had worked all day long, that they are somehow or other entitled to some great wage, well . . . in reality, their work is flawed. And, certainly, it appears that they have not worked a full day’s work with a good and right attitude. For that small, self-centered, selfish attitude alone, they demonstrate that even their wages are given graciously. The land owner might well withhold their wages, or diminish them somewhat because their work was affected by their attitude.

The point of it all is obvious. All that we have, in any good sense, is a gracious gift from God. How did Paul put it? “What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?” (1Corinthians 4:7) Our prayer, daily, should not be “Lord, look at me and what I have done;” rather, “Let me know more and more of your grace and love!”

O Father, Thou whose love profound

a ransom for our souls hath found,

before Thy throne we sinners bend;

to us Thy pard’ning love extend.

Almighty Son, Incarnate Word,

our Prophet, Priest, Redeemer, Lord,

before Thy throne we sinners bend;

to us Thy saving grace extend. -- Edward Cooper (1805)