ESOCS Devotional 23 October 2021
TEXT: MATTHEW 20: 1-16
MEMORY VERSE: “And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny” (Matthew 20:9 KJV).
In the Christian race, no amount of service input by anyone can equal the reward that believers will receive. It is only by grace that all will be rewarded; the length of time one has served is immaterial. One may also have served only a short period; grace would reward him as those that were long in service (vs. 9-10).
The explanation to the parable is that God has same reward of eternal life for all who believe and return to Him through Jesus, irrespective of how long they repented, and be in Christ. Those who entered the Christian race “early in the morning” would receive the same reward as cams later; that is, “the third hour”, “the sixth hour”, and “the ninth hour”. God has the authority to give rewards as He pleases. The Bible says, “Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him” (Ps. 115:3 CJB).
So, let those who think they are standing, stand strong, firm, and rightly lest the last becomes the first, and the first last (v 16).
However, believers are called to concentrate on their Christian race and the service they render to God. God alone determines when to reward everyone. A person may work for God for ten years without an outstanding reward. Another person may come into service and receive a wonderful breakthrough in a few months. The point is that God has approved time to reward everyone, and to do so in different way and dimensions. Let us wait and rejoice with others when their favour comes; ours would come at God’s own tome. The longer the time, the greater the reward or blessing. A negative attitude may further delay the reward. Believers should continue their labour of love, never relenting; no matter the circumstances, “For God is not unjust to forget your work and labour of love which you have shown toward His name …” (Heb. 6:10 NKJV).
- Do not allow distractions in you work and service to Gog.
- Oh God, grant me more understanding of your kingdom principles. Amen.
Read Other ESOCS Devotional here
FURTHER READING: Job 1: 1-12; Proverbs 8: 22- 36; Acts 16: 6-24
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ESOCS Devotional 23 October 2021
