Scripture: Matthew 20:12 These men who were hired last worked only one hour, they said, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.

Observations: This is interesting – first, these men agreed to work for a day’s wages. So the problem is not that they were cheated, but that those who started later, even as late as one hour before day’s end, were paid the same. That doesn’t really seem fair. Well, that’s not fair, is it? After all, they have borne the burden, the majority of the work! Sounds familiar, somewhat like the older brother in Luke 15. No fair, Father! I served/slaved all these years! Grace is seriously unfair!

Application: I need to put away my scorecard, my measuring tape, my time clock and my rulebook. God promises grace – unmerited gifts – riches beyond my imagination – mercy, not justice. Shall I sit in His grace and compare?

Prayer: Father, help me see your amazing grace for just what it is. Help me recover from wanting to keep score. Be gracious to me & my brother – neither of us deserve it! Amen!