I worked a good few years in youth ministry, what always held me in awe of the young people was there determination to keep going despite every opportunity not to. Every other person in their class, even their parents at times had another set of ideals that were contrary to what God desired for them…Him.
I often prayed about how fair this was, for these third hour Christians, when their peers were living in a supposed freedom, as I had, reckless and free from any heavy conscience despite how wounding and debilitating my choices.
This parable UPPERCASE SHOUTED into this thought process today.
I was a lateish comer into the vineyard, probably a sixth hour arrival, I came with zeal and worked hard so grateful was I just to be there. Yet every now and again I would be halted by some past wound, unable to continue until the Vineyard owner came and healed it. I came with weighty baggage.
Those who had arrived early just continued at a slower less frantic pace. Yes they picked up injuries, but they were ministered to in good time, their bones got reset straight, the infections didn’t take complete hold of them. The wounds were not so deep as to permanently scar. Each of their injuries taught only of the mercy of the vineyard owner as He kissed grazed knees and blessed bruised hearts. The third hour workers had no comprehension of what it was like exist without the security of the Vineyard and it’s owner. For us late comers that seemed a blessed and perfect existence.
Don’t we sometimes think that the grass is greener, the grapes fatter outside of our Vineyard? Isn’t it easier to work for ourselves, be our own boss rather than toil for an exacting taskmaster? This wise vineyard owner permits us to wander off at times, he permits us to choose, it helps us to see clearer the gift of His employment.
The later the hour we join the labour the longer we have been without the security, the healing, the care and the feeding. Perhaps we arrive more appreciative and more zealous, work harder because we know the enormous value of what we have now received. A deep gratitude to no longer be out in the cold, to know that we will be fed. What joy to no longer be at the hands of those who look like expert vinedressers but only produce sour vinegar. There is just the one vineyard owner, because there is just the one true vine.
The truth is what ever hour we are called in, we bring something of value, our hands, hearts and minds. It may seem unfair to labour for the same reward as a new arrival, but all you have received in your service is a reward in itself. A few steps outside will surely show you the truth of this.
One day in your courts Lord is worth a thousand elsewhere.
