| Jesus told the story of a farmer who hired day labourers: some at 6 am, some at 9 am, some at 12 noon, some at 3 pm and some at 5 pm, one hour before quitting time. Amazingly, he paid them all the same wage. When the complaints started flying, the farmer said, 'I wish to give to this last man the same as to you.' You say, 'Nobody pays a day's wage to one-hour workers.' God does. Deathbed converts and lifelong saints enter heaven by the same gate. They don't enjoy the same reward, but they're saved by the same grace. A last minute confessor receives the same grace as a lifetime servant? It doesn't seem fair. The workers in Jesus' story complained too. So the farmer explained the prerogative of ownership: 'Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me...' (Matthew 20:15 RSV). The thief on the cross proves that when you request grace with your dying breath, God answers your prayer. The Prodigal Son '...wasted his possessions...' (Luke 15:13 NKJV). The Greek word for 'wasted' pictures a farmer throwing handfuls of seed into the ground. Imagine the Prodigal Son spurning his father's kindness, going out and 'throwing it all away.' But he returned. And when he did '....his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him' (Luke 15:20 NKJV). The Father was saving the son's place. And He's saving yours too. The Father loves to bless us, even when we don't deserve it. Eleventh hour grace means that if you're able to read these words and respond, it's not too late. |
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