Inequality – It’s Not Fare – Jealousy – Envy – Lust – Greed – Cheated - Betrayed
What other words can you think of to describe the emotions that run through our mind when we feel someone has wronged us? It’s so hard in today’s world to take one’s eyes off of our own struggles, our own trials and focus on the blessings and joy that God has provided for us uniquely. We find it easy to praise God and to rejoice with others as long as we are getting our fare share of the spoils, but what constitutes a fare share?
This parable found in Matthew 20:1-16 tells us that God’s love, His generosity, His grace and His eternal blessing is equally available to all mankind. Why should this bother us so much? Why should we be angered when another person accepts the graciousness and beauty of God’s salvation? If someone’s life is completely unrighteous and filthy as seen through our eyes, isn’t the plan of salvation just as important for that person as it is for the person who has tried to live righteously?
It’s like this. A farmer’s tractor break’s down right in the middle of the harvest season. He hits his knees that night and prays for God’s blessings and help in this situation, so he might finish the harvesting of his crop before the rains come. The next day as the farmer was going to town he passed by another farm, where an aged tractor sat by the road, with a sign on it – “FREE – Just pay for the gas” He walked up to the door to inquire, feeling unbelievably blessed that the Lord would answer his prayer this way. When the door opened, a young man stood there with a baby in his arms and a few more toddlers by his feet; his eyes were red and puffy. The farmer asked, “Sir – are you giving away your tractor?” Nodding, the young man said, “Yes I am, as long as you pay for the gas to get it back to your place.” The farmer couldn’t believe it, so he asked “Does it run, and will it work for harvesting my fields?” With a smile, he replied, “Without a doubt, it’s solid and trustworthy. My father meticulously took care of it ever since I was a kid.” The farmer counted it a blessing and wasted no time, “I’ll take it young man.” And they shook hands to seal the deal.
Later in the day, the farmer got a ride back to pick up the tractor and there was a line of trucks and cars in the young man’s drive way. As the farmer made his way through the crowd he found the young man. “I’ve come to get the tractor.” He couldn’t help but ask, “Sir, what are all of these people doing here?” The young man with tears in his eyes said to the farmer, “They are here for the same reason as you. I am giving it all away. You see my father ran this farm, and died this past week. I know nothing of running a farm and need none of this stuff, so I’m giving it all away. Here are the keys to the tractor, take good care of it, won’t you?” Looking around the farmer noticed all of the things being loaded into trucks, and hooked to the back of trucks to be towed away. He said to the young man, “I’m sorry about your father, I truly am, but why didn’t you tell me you were giving all of this away? I would have taken it all off your hands.” Biting his lower lip, the young man managed to say, “My father loved this community and it was his wish that his love be shared with all of them. I was hoping you would still be grateful for the free tractor.” The farmer walked away but couldn’t help from feeling jealous, cheated and less than grateful as he hoped aboard the aged tractor. Turning the key, it started perfectly and the farmer pulled away toward his farm, for there was still much work to be done.
We are conditioned to never be satisfied. The latest gadget comes out and we have to have it. The neighbor gets a new car, and all of a sudden my car isn’t quite as good anymore. We need to learn to be content in what the Lord has provided for us. Count the blessings you do have, rather than focusing on those you do not have. When all is said and done, is there anything more valuable than an eternity with God the Father?
Heavenly Father,
Maker of all things, You have blessed me with health, joy, a wonderful family and a roof over my head. You have met all of my needs and then some, and I stand before You spoiled by Your grace, love and mercy. Thank You for Your plan of salvation and for providing for my family’s needs. I ask You Lord to bless those who are less fortunate, provide shelter for those who are homeless and food for those who are hungry. Help me be a vessel of Your love to all that I meet. In Jesus name we pray – Amen.
© Sondove Enterprises, 2011
For more Daily Thoughts go to: http://www.10minutereader.com
This parable found in Matthew 20:1-16 tells us that God’s love, His generosity, His grace and His eternal blessing is equally available to all mankind. Why should this bother us so much? Why should we be angered when another person accepts the graciousness and beauty of God’s salvation? If someone’s life is completely unrighteous and filthy as seen through our eyes, isn’t the plan of salvation just as important for that person as it is for the person who has tried to live righteously?
It’s like this. A farmer’s tractor break’s down right in the middle of the harvest season. He hits his knees that night and prays for God’s blessings and help in this situation, so he might finish the harvesting of his crop before the rains come. The next day as the farmer was going to town he passed by another farm, where an aged tractor sat by the road, with a sign on it – “FREE – Just pay for the gas” He walked up to the door to inquire, feeling unbelievably blessed that the Lord would answer his prayer this way. When the door opened, a young man stood there with a baby in his arms and a few more toddlers by his feet; his eyes were red and puffy. The farmer asked, “Sir – are you giving away your tractor?” Nodding, the young man said, “Yes I am, as long as you pay for the gas to get it back to your place.” The farmer couldn’t believe it, so he asked “Does it run, and will it work for harvesting my fields?” With a smile, he replied, “Without a doubt, it’s solid and trustworthy. My father meticulously took care of it ever since I was a kid.” The farmer counted it a blessing and wasted no time, “I’ll take it young man.” And they shook hands to seal the deal.
Later in the day, the farmer got a ride back to pick up the tractor and there was a line of trucks and cars in the young man’s drive way. As the farmer made his way through the crowd he found the young man. “I’ve come to get the tractor.” He couldn’t help but ask, “Sir, what are all of these people doing here?” The young man with tears in his eyes said to the farmer, “They are here for the same reason as you. I am giving it all away. You see my father ran this farm, and died this past week. I know nothing of running a farm and need none of this stuff, so I’m giving it all away. Here are the keys to the tractor, take good care of it, won’t you?” Looking around the farmer noticed all of the things being loaded into trucks, and hooked to the back of trucks to be towed away. He said to the young man, “I’m sorry about your father, I truly am, but why didn’t you tell me you were giving all of this away? I would have taken it all off your hands.” Biting his lower lip, the young man managed to say, “My father loved this community and it was his wish that his love be shared with all of them. I was hoping you would still be grateful for the free tractor.” The farmer walked away but couldn’t help from feeling jealous, cheated and less than grateful as he hoped aboard the aged tractor. Turning the key, it started perfectly and the farmer pulled away toward his farm, for there was still much work to be done.
We are conditioned to never be satisfied. The latest gadget comes out and we have to have it. The neighbor gets a new car, and all of a sudden my car isn’t quite as good anymore. We need to learn to be content in what the Lord has provided for us. Count the blessings you do have, rather than focusing on those you do not have. When all is said and done, is there anything more valuable than an eternity with God the Father?
Heavenly Father,
Maker of all things, You have blessed me with health, joy, a wonderful family and a roof over my head. You have met all of my needs and then some, and I stand before You spoiled by Your grace, love and mercy. Thank You for Your plan of salvation and for providing for my family’s needs. I ask You Lord to bless those who are less fortunate, provide shelter for those who are homeless and food for those who are hungry. Help me be a vessel of Your love to all that I meet. In Jesus name we pray – Amen.
© Sondove Enterprises, 2011
For more Daily Thoughts go to: http://www.10minutereader.com
A great life lesson...
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