Last Minute Winners

Written by Brook Dwyer

Are you having trouble accepting God’s timing in your life? Talk to a mentor.

“When the evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the workers and pay them their wages beginning with the last one hired and going on to the first’” (Matthew 20:7-9).

Recently I attended an exciting event at a local upscale boutique. There were fashion experts, make-up artists and skin care professionals. They even had door prizes. The gifts donated from the businesses represented were all wonderful, but I wanted only one, the eyelash extensions. I strolled to all the stations to have my card stamped and enjoyed all the generous samples available to me in the hopes that I would have more chances to win that prize.

Imagine my astonishment when the door prize was given to women who showed up at the last minute. I stood there stunned, remembering Matthew 20:7-9. Those who were the last to come were paid first. After much prayer, I mean I really coveted those eyelashes, I realized I enjoyed my evening as it was. I learned more than those women who showed up late. They were given the prize I wanted, but I had information I could use.

As I continued to ponder my experience and the scripture in Matthew, I began to compare my evening to the frustration of the workers in the parable, who had also been there the entire time. The more I meditated on the story I realized that while both the workers and I were disappointed we didn’t get a better reward for our time and effort, Jesus promised himself to us and freely gives salvation to anyone who believes. Those who believe earlier experience a deep fellowship with the Lord, but their salvation is as secure as those who meet Jesus in their last moments.

None of the women at the event were promised anything but a wonderful time and a chance at those eyelashes. The eyelashes will never complete my look, but I came away from that night happy for the women who received the prize I wanted and a deeper sense of the grace and forgiveness that God offers us all through Jesus.

Heavenly Father, thank you for freely giving the reward of salvation to each of us. Help us to be excited for those who come to you. Amen

Question: When have you experienced a deep fellowship with Christ since you accepted Him as your savior?