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We don't get what we deserve (1)
'... want to give the man who was hired last the same as I gave you ...' Matt 20:14
Ever had a summer job? They're often not the greatest jobs in the world, but at least while you are plucking dead chickens, stuffing envelopes or picking strawberries you can look forward to the end of the week when you will get your hard-earned cash!
After all, you are getting what you deserve. Jesus told the story of a bloke who hired some workers: some at 6am, some at 9am, some at noon, some at 3pm and some at 5pm, one hour before quitting time.
Amazingly, he paid them all the same wage. Nobody pays a day's wage for one hours work, but God does. A last-minute convert receives the same grace as a lifetime servant. Have a quick look at Luke 23:40-42 and read about the thief on the cross next to Jesus. Did he deserve to be saved right at the end of his life? Well no. But if God gave us what we deserved none of us would be saved. Grace means getting the life we don't deserve!
The Prodigal Son wasted his possessions. But he returned. And when he did '... his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and...kissed him' (Luke 15:20 NKJ). The Father loves to bless us, even when we don't deserve it.
written by Bob Gass
