Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? – Matthew 20:15
A rich, young ruler came to Jesus asking what he needed to do to have eternal life. He claimed he had kept all the commandments, but when Christ put him to the test and told him to sell all his possessions, give to the poor, and follow Him, the man sorrowfully went away for he had great possessions (Matthew 19:16-22). His departure showed that he had not fulfilled the first commandment… to love God above all else.
The disciples wondered aloud what it would take to be saved. They had given up all to follow Christ – possessions, family, occupation. Jesus explained that they would have a great reward, then told the parable of the master of the house who needed workers. He hired many throughout the day since there was a lot of work to be done. At the end of the day, he paid each of them the same wage. One who was hired among the first murmured, why would those who worked the shortest amount of time get the same pay as those who worked all day?
There is a common denominator among hired workers. They are all called by the master, and all work at the task before them for the time allotted to them. This is also true of your life in Christ. As a believer, you have been called by God for specific work for a specific time in His kingdom on Earth. God’s gift of eternal life will come to all believers.
Be faithful to the opportunities God gives you. Then pray especially for the leaders of this nation who believe in Christ as Savior, that they will be faithful in the tasks God has set before them.
Today’s Verse: Matthew 20:15
Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?’
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Colossians 3:17-24
17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them. 20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. 21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. 22 Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
