God is Just and That is Just Fine With Me

Would you work for an employer who would not tell you what you would be paid?
 
Jesus told a story about a man who hired workers for his vineyard. They made an agreement that if they would work a full twelve-hour day, they would be paid a denarius, which is the standard pay for a full day of work. This was a very reasonable agreement.
 
The man found more workers as the day progressed, telling them he would give them what was “right” or “just” at the end of the day. Some worked nine hours, some six, some three, and some only one hour. None of these men knew what they would be paid. I, myself would not work for someone that would not tell me the amount I’m being paid, UNLESS…
 
UNLESS I believe that the landowner is good and generous. If I believe that I can trust the owner, I will do what he asks. This is faith, and this is trusting in his grace.

The story ends with those working one hour getting as much as those who worked all day. It seems so unfair, but Jesus is pointing out that God is actually better than fair, and we can all trust in the goodness of our Father more than we can trust in the goodness of our own works.
 
Those under the first agreement have wages based on their ability to fulfill the agreement. Those who came last have no such agreement. The owner can give them anything he wants. The wages are not based on the standard idea of fairness. It is based on the generosity of the landowner who hired them.
 
The Lord is good! The gospel reveals to us the Father who is more gracious, kind, merciful, and generous than people ever thought He was. When we believe He is good, we will do anything He asks. We are safe with God. We don’t have to be motivated by transactional obedience. This is love. This is liberty. This is abundant life.
 
“Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness.” – Romans 4:4-5
 
God justifies the ungodly! I totally believe it. I am here because of this truth. If God didn’t justify the ungodly, then I could not be here telling wonderful things about Him.

It all starts with knowing that the One who called us is good. Aren’t you glad that you have heard the good news?