August 7, 2022 - 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 as his children. 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?” (1Cor 4:7) Charlotte Elliott’s hymn just fits here, doesn’t it?

Just as I am, without one plea,

but that thy blood was shed for me,

and that thou bidd’st me come to thee,

O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, and waiting not

to rid my soul of one dark blot,

to thee, whose blood can cleanse each spot,

O Lamb of God, I come, I come. --Charlotte Elliott (19th century)