The Vineyard Owner’s Generosity: Rewards of Grace and Gratitude

``bible is very clear and even serious about reward. Interestingly, the first time the word reward appears in the bible was when God appeared to Abraham in Genesis 15 verse one. And the first thing God said to Abraham was, do not be afraid, Abraham. I'm your shield and your very great reward. God didn't just, promise Abraham a reward. He told Abraham he himself was the reward. Not a small, not temporary, but very great reward. [00:05:35] (41 seconds)  #GodOurGreatReward

When Jesus spoke to Peter today, Jesus said, Peter, I'm not paying you wages. I'm giving you reward. I'm not paying you wages. I'm giving you reward. And my reward is grace and inheritance and eternal life. If you seek wages, you shrink the god's generosity into a transaction. [00:27:44] (30 seconds)  #GraceNotWages

The last became the first not because they accomplished more, but because they have a generous master. He invites them into his field at the very latest hour and then reward them as though they are upon the burden of the whole day. And that is the heart of this parable. [00:21:10] (21 seconds)  #LastFirstByGrace

God lifts the overlooked, the spiritually late, and the seemingly less fruitful. Honor does not come from their performance but from his compassion. And here, God's compassion is more than helpful. God's compassion restores and even honors our dignity. Amen? [00:21:32] (25 seconds)  #GodLiftsTheOverlooked

His real treasure is not a dollar sign, but a people. For that, he actually worked hard diligently. No wonder Jesus also called God as working hard. You know, in, John chapter five seventeen, when Pharisees assumed that Sabbath, everybody, especially God, takes a break and God is in rest. This is what Jesus said. My father is working until now. That means even Sabbath. So am I. [00:13:59] (35 seconds)  #PeopleNotProfit

In fact, Christians, we receive the reward before the work, not after the work. I don't know about you. I received Jesus, my reward, and then I began to work. Working for God's kingdom instead of building my own kingdom or playing the game the world is engaging is a great reward itself. Christ, when he called me, he is blessing me. I don't get blessing after I work. I get blessing before the work. Do you get the difference? [00:28:42] (38 seconds)  #BlessedBeforeWork

You know, one of my motto is that do your best and then leave the rest into God. That's my motto. You can put that in my tombstone if you want. Because that's what I told my children when they're in the final exams, whatever critical moment, they say, oh, the preparers. Do your best. Leave the rest to God. And so many times we are surprised by gracious result. [00:17:43] (30 seconds)  #DoYourBestLeaveTheRest

While the early workers might feel very confident about their wages, this late eleventh hour worker would feel very concerned and nervous. That's why master called them first, and he gives them full wages. And we must note this is not an economic fairness. This is all about extravagant grace. [00:20:43] (27 seconds)  #ExtravagantGrace