October 5: Grace…Are You Keeping Score?
Grace is only hard to give if we’re keeping score.
“The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his Vineyard.” Matthew 20:1
When Jesus tried to tell people what the kingdom of heaven was like, he knew descriptions would fail, so He told stories. He said God‘s kingdom was like someone who has lost but then was found. He said it was like a tiny seed that grew into a large tree. And one of my favorite stories, He said it was like a landowner who hired some laborers to work in his field for a day.
The landowner went around 9 o’clock in the morning, looking for workers for his vineyard. He agreed to pay them $50 each for a full day of work. Then he did the same at noon and three and 5 o’clock. At the end of the day the workers all lined up to get their wages, and the owner of the vineyard gave each $50 regardless of when they started. When the workers who started in the morning saw the others receive the same amount they started grumbling. I get it. I think I’d be a little miffed too. But I love the story because it reminds us that Grace doesn’t keep track of when you punch the clock. It’s ironic that it doesn’t bother people who know how much they need grace to see it given without hesitation. It only upsets people who think they need to earn grace with their hard work.
Grace doesn’t work if we’re concerned about getting our fair share. God‘s grace is infinite and an ending. It’s never accurately seen in short supply. Instead of grumbling about someone else getting a little grace, celebrate with them. and be thankful to, that God gives you as much grace as you need.
Who around you is receiving grace right now? How can you celebrate with them?
Esther 2:19–5:14
The wise rebuke
My father was Jewish and many of my Jewish family perished in the concentration camps during the holocaust.
But anti-Semitism is not a recent phenomenon. Here in the book of Esther, set in the fifth century BC, we read of appalling anti-Semitism. Esther had to keep her background a secret (2:20). Haman wanted to ‘annihilate all the Jews – young and old, women and little children – on a single day… and to plunder their goods’ (3:13).
Mordecai’s response was to tear his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and wail loudly and bitterly (4:1). Effectively, he was calling on God for help.
Mordecai realised that Esther, his adopted daughter, was in a position to make a difference. Esther pointed out the problems of her situation, and how it would be very difficult for her to help (vv.9–11).
Mordecai’s response was in effect the wise rebuke of a parent: ‘Do not think that because you are in the king's house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?’ (vv.13–14).
Esther realised that God had put her in that position for a purpose. You too have a purpose. Many people go through life without meaning or ultimate purpose, trying to pursue their own agenda – not realising that God’s purposes are so much better. You are alive today in order to fulfil God’s purposes for this generation. Whatever position you are in, believe that you are there ‘for such a time as this’.
Esther listened to Mordecai’s wise words. She asked the people to fast for her and said, ‘I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish’ (v.16). There is risk involved. We only have one life. We have to go for it. If we perish, we perish. But better to take the risk than never to have tried. May we rather be like Esther – utterly dependent on God and willing to risk our lives to save the lives of others.
Lord, help me to listen to wise and kind rebukes. As I go through the refiner’s fire, purify my heart, that I may love you more fully, seize every opportunity of life and serve you wholeheartedly.
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