The Daily Devotional of the Upper Room of Nashville, Tennessee, United States "" for Friday, 8 April 2016 with Scripture Matthew 20:1-16

The Daily Devotional of the Upper Room of Nashville, Tennessee, United States "" for Friday, 8 April 2016 with Scripture Matthew 20:1 “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a farmer who went out at daybreak to hire workers for his vineyard. 2 After agreeing with the workers on a wage of one denarius, [the standard daily wage,] he sent them off to his vineyard. 3 Then, on going out at about nine in the morning, he saw more men standing around in the market-square doing nothing, 4 and said to them, ‘You go to the vineyard too — I’ll pay you a fair wage.’ So they went. 5 At noon, and again around three in the afternoon, he did the same thing. 6 About an hour before sundown, he went out, found still others standing around, and asked them, ‘Why have you been standing here all day, doing nothing?” 7 They said to him, ‘Because no one hired us.’ ‘You too,’ he told them, ‘go to the vineyard.’
8 “When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the workers and pay them their wages, starting with the last ones hired and ending with the first.’ 9 The workers who came an hour before sunset each received a denarius, 10 so the workers who came first expected they would get more, but each of them also received just a denarius. 11 On receiving their wages, they began grumbling to the farmer, 12 ‘These latecomers have worked only one hour, while we have borne the brunt of the day’s work in the hot sun, yet you have put them on an equal footing with us!’ 13 But he answered one of them, ‘Look, friend, I’m not being unfair with you. Didn’t you agree to work today for a denarius? 14 Now take your pay and go! I choose to give the last worker as much as I’m giving you. 15 Haven’t I the right to do what I want with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?’ 16 Thus the last ones will be first and the first last.”[Give] joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.[Colossians 1:12 (NIV)]
I was shocked and saddened to hear last year of my cousin’s sudden death at age 64. I was even more shocked when I found out that I was named among a group of five people to receive a small inheritance.
I could understand why the two friends would be included in his will; they had been close friends for decades. And the two other cousins had a much closer relationship with him; they did more to help him when he was ill. I hadn’t had the same type of relationship. I felt unworthy of such a gift. Why did he choose me, not only to receive his gift but to have an equal share in it?
When I questioned the executor of the will I was told that my cousin loved me and wanted me to have a share.
I see a reminder of Christ’s relationship with humans. God loves us and sent Jesus to show us the way to salvation. Our inheritance isn’t determined by how long we have traveled with Christ. Even when we feel like we don’t deserve it, we are all entitled to equal shares in God’s kingdom.
Read more from the author, here."More from Lenore Warton"

I've subscribed to The Upper Room for many many years and been touched deeply by other people's meditations and so many times the message is just what I need to hear but I never thought I'd ever have meditations published.
I never cease to be amazed as God gives me the words to write at unexpected times. My first meditation came to me as I performed an ordinary chore (pulling out fire weeds). I give all credit to God. Without him I couldn't write meditations. People have suggested writing more, but I can only write as God prompts me. I find many times that the lesson in my meditation is something I need to learn and when published I'm reminded of the lesson again.
I really was very surprised by my cousin's sudden death and then to hear that I was a beneficiary in his will. I certainly didn't feel worthy of his gift which inspired this meditation as I reflected on Jesus' free gift of life to us. I know that it wasn't free for Jesus--he paid the ultimate price with his cruel death on a cross. He did this because of his love for me, not because I'm worthy. It's all him and I'm thankful.
I'd like to thank all the writers for their meditations over the years that have been such a blessing to me.
I enjoy this ministry and pray that God will continue giving me words to share.[Lenore Warton]
The Author: Lenore Warton (New South Wales, Australia)
Thought for the Day: I have an equal share in God’s amazing love.
Prayer: Loving God, it’s hard to accept that we don’t have to be worthy to receive an equal share in your kingdom. Thank you for your life so freely given. Amen.
Prayer focus: My cousins
---------------------