A Blind Comparison

Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with what is my own? Or is your eye envious because I am generous? Matthew 20:15

We do not always appreciate the generosity of God…..especially when others are the recipients. One quick read through of Matthew 20:1-16 reveals an aspect of human nature that is uncomfortable to admit for oneself. The parable is told of a landowner who hires men to work in his vineyard. Some are hired first thing in the morning and others throughout the day all the way up to the last hour of the day. The first to be hired agree to work for a denarius. This was the usual pay for a day’s work. At first they were content with the idea but by the end of the parable they are grumbling and accusing the landowner of unfairness because he had the “audacity” to give everyone the same pay whether they worked all day or just one hour. Their comparisons to others, false assumptions, and lack of appreciation for generosity robbed them of joy and contentment.

The thing about the parables Jesus gave is they have a way of becoming a mirror for us to see ourselves. Sad to say, I can relate all too well to the feelings of the group that worked all day. If given the same circumstances in my life I would probably respond in the same way. We have a scale by which we weigh and measure the things in life and we mistakenly think God has the same scale. We cannot fathom the depths of God’s grace and the heart of His generosity.

When we live our lives comparing ourselves to others in the area of health, marriage, finances, friendships, gifts, talents, opportunities, positions, possessions, and popularity we set ourselves up for dissatisfaction, unhappiness, and even anger. We are fine as long as things seem even or if we are a little ahead of everyone else. But when another individual receives something we don’t have or is given an opportunity we do not get we can be filled with jealousy. I would venture to say this can even be a problem among ministries.

Yet, my perspective of this parable changed when the author, Phillip Yancey, pointed out the necessity for us to see ourselves as the workers who were called out to the vineyard during the last hour of the day. It is then that I realize God has been extravagant with His generosity to me in multiple ways! May I know that He has NEVER short changed me.

Father, Your generosity leaves me in awe! Amen.

God's Declaration Over Us

But now, thus says the LORD, your Creator, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel, do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine! Isaiah 43:1

Ever hear a child yell out, "That's mine!"? They are passionate about their possession. Saying "That's mine" is their way of declaring ownership, desire, and longing for a certain object. Two things are certain....the object is theirs and they will not share it with another ~ at the moment anyway. There are only a few reasons they claim it as their own to start with. They found it, they made it, they bought it, or they received it as a gift. Whatever the case may be, they KNOW that they KNOW it is theirs!

I find such security in God's declaration pertaining to His people...."You are Mine!" As I slip my name into this verse I am filled with a sense of awe. I am embracing the truth that God not only claims me as His own but He is passionate about it. He gives two reasons for His possessiveness ~ He created me and redeemed me.

I remember the first time someone shared with me the idea that God not only loves me but pursues me in order that I would come to know Him. He wooed me to win me! I still cannot fully grasp that wonder. This morning I hear Him speaking this verse into my heart and over my life. He is speaking in hushed tones and with gentleness. I picture myself as a small child, sitting on His lap. One arm holds me while the other smoothes back my hair. My spirit is warmed as the words sink in. Knowing that I belong to Him makes me feel safe.

He calls me by name. He not only knows my name ~ He uses it when He speaks to me. May I ponder all of this throughout my day. It leaves me feeling cared for, wanted, and cherished. His personal touch and undivided attention arrest my heart.

My response back to Him is, "Yes, I am Yours." In the awareness of that, I can now serve Him, obey Him, and love Him because I am His.

Father, You have reached me at the core of who I am today. I receive Your words and Your embrace. Amen.

To Go Without

He gets hungry and his strength fails; he drinks no water and becomes weary. Isaiah 44:12

Our physical bodies need sustenance on a daily basis. As we expend energy in any number of ways we use up what has been stored in our systems. Once it is used up it cannot replenish itself ~ it must be replaced. If we go for too long without taking in more food and liquid our bodies suffer for it.

A while back I learned this lesson first hand. I was in need of God's intervention in a mighty way. I had fasted before but this time I looked to the fast Esther called for...a three day fast without food or water. The first day went fine as my body just lived off stored up nutrients. The second day, I felt a bit shaky but nothing serious. It was the morning of the third day that my body finally crashed. I ended the fast after 52 hours. I felt very weak, light headed, and extremely nauseous. At first I thought I could just take in water but I felt worse. So I decided to give my body what it needed...food.

Here is what surprised me. Although I ate food and drank liquids the physical weaknesses lingered for 3 more days! On that third day God began to show me the spiritual ramifications and similarities.

I must daily take in my spiritual food. I do this through reading God's Word, journaling, praying, fellowship, etc... If I don't meet with God for one day I won't necessarily feel the effects. A second day is a little more noticeable ~ as the spirit weakens the flesh seems to gain strength. By the third day I am in a starvation mode and my spirit crashes.

The remedy is to take in the Word and living water. But just like in my experience with the fast, my spiritual condition may continue to lack strength for a few more days. In a sense, I need to replenish my spiritual reserve. So often I could not see this principle. I'd get discouraged when I wasn't immediately strengthened again. I see now there is a process.

Fasting is a Biblical concept and has many rewards. The spiritual insights alone are astounding. At the same time, God's Word and prayer are not what we as believers should fast from. Yet that is exactly what we do when we skip this precious time. Like physical food, our spiritual intake needs to be continual.

Father, You offer me a banquet every day! Your invitation to "come and dine" is so lavishly given. May I hunger and thirst for You daily! Amen.