~ Never Too Late ~

[Lani]

Matthew 20:1-14
1 For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard.
2 And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.
3 And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace,
4 And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way.
5 Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise.
6 And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle?
7 They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.
8 So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first.
9 And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny.
10 But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny.
11 And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house,
12 Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day.
13 But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny?
14 Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee.

The landowner said to the workers, “I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you.” Matthew 20:14


My husband was a good and intelligent man, but most of his life was also very troubled – carrying many worries, anxieties, and problems on his shoulders that also weighed on his heart. He spent the last months of his life in a hospital where he had the chance to think about his life in a deeper way than ever before. Though weak from his illness, he gained spiritual strength and was born again into a new and complete life.

During his last months on earth, he was able to live in peaceful relationship with God and with others. He believed Christ when he said that we do not have to carry a heavy burden. A greater understanding about God’s truth opened his heart to a greater faith and a more personal relationship with God. My husband told me that the weight of anguish he had carried within himself for so long was gone.

Knowing the parable of the workers in the vineyard (Matthew 20:1-14), I greatly rejoice in the certainty that this late worker will be given the same reward of rest and peace as all who have gone to be with the Lord.


Prayer: O Lord, thank you for your promise – to all of us – of rest and peace here on earth and even greater joy in heaven. Help us to spread the word that no matter when we come to faith, you welcome us lovingly. Amen.

Prayer Focus of Day: Troubled People
Thought for the Day: Even those in the twilight of life are invited to respond to God’s offer of salvation.

Story shared by: M. Simoes (Brazil)
Source: Upper Room Daily Devotional: 9/9/11