I've had many conversations about how it seemed unfair that some people could put their faith in Jesus as a child, and live their whole lives believing, trusting, and living for God. Then on the flip side a criminal at the end of his rope, and about to be executed, can pray a prayer of belief and trust in Jesus, and both people will end up in the same place. I used to go back to the thieves on the crosses next to Jesus how one acknowledged his faith in Jesus and Jesus responded to him that they would see each other in paradise. The best argument and I still think is a good argument is that they will have a different "state" or "presence" in heaven. Obviously, the one that has been living for God already has his relationship with God established well, and there are many treasures in heaven waiting for him, whearas, the criminal has had no time to establish neither a relationship nor treasures. He has to start from there.
But today, I came across a story in Scripture that made the whole thing come together for me. Forgive me, if you've already had this epiphany, but I get excited about such things. In Matthew 20:1-16 we find a story of a land owner who went into town looking for workers for his field. The story goes that at 9:00 he hires some men and agrees to pay them at the end of the day. Then at noon he does the same thing, getting more men to come work. Then at 3:00pm and at 5:00pm. So he had people that were working starting at 9, 12, 3, and 5 (pretty spread out). At the end of the day (6:00pm) the owner lined them up to receive their pay. He started with th
e ones that only worked 1 hour and gave them a full days' wage. He gave the same amount to those that started at 3:00pm, the same with the ones from 12:00 and the same amount from those that started at 9:00am. Obviously, the ones that started at 9:00 and 12:00 were upset at this, but then the owner reminds them that they agreed on the payment and it's his right to show kindness to others with what he owns.
e ones that only worked 1 hour and gave them a full days' wage. He gave the same amount to those that started at 3:00pm, the same with the ones from 12:00 and the same amount from those that started at 9:00am. Obviously, the ones that started at 9:00 and 12:00 were upset at this, but then the owner reminds them that they agreed on the payment and it's his right to show kindness to others with what he owns.It makes sense to me now that it is fair for the criminal! It is fair of the long standing Christian! Why is it fair? Because neither is DESERVING of God's grace! It's not my grace to give out, it's God's! The owner in the story didn't have to hire any of them! But he did! Jesus didn't have to die on a cross for any of us, but He did! It's His grace to be spread to as many as will receive! I'm so glad that God said, "whoever" believes in Him will have eternal life and that it's based on God's logic and not mine!
Have a great day guys!
Ron Foster
