I don’t think this is going to be a long rant. I guess I’m just writing this as an addendum from yesterday’s message at Evangel entitled “The Level Playing Field” from our ‘Feltboard Chronicles’ series looking at the parables of Jesus.
Someone wrote on social media in response to my message their thoughts about what I had to say about Matthew 20:1-16; where the owner of the vineyard went out throughout the day getting workers to bring in the harvest. By the end of the day, some workers had only worked one hour but he still paid them the full day’s wage (which was more than generous for a FULL day’s work… you’ll have to listen to the message to get the whole backstory on that).
The point that I was making (and I believe Jesus was making too) was that even though WE seem to place a pecking order on people’s worth (including ourselves) that God does not. Grace is only able to be given to those who do not deserve it… which includes ALL of us.
Well a friend of that person posted that they wondered if I had read Karl Marx’s Communist Manifesto. At first I was surprised. Then a little humoured. Then a little confused. Now I’ve settled down to a disappointed sadness.
Sad, not because my feelings are hurt… but because they probably represent so many people who miss out on the beauty of God’s grace.
You see, I firmly believe that there is no one too bad to receive God’s grace. That said, I also believe that there are a lot of people who unfortunately think that they are too GOOD to receive it too. “Oh, I don’t need God.” “I’ve got my life under control.” “Fill in the blank excuse……”
Titus 2:11 says, “God’s readiness to give and forgive is now public. Salvation’s available for everyone! (The Message)” It’s common access to an uncommon grace.
Communism says that we are all equal. Thankfully, Grace instead says that we are equally positioned in a relationship that none of us deserve.
At least that’s how I see it,
C
craigmckibbon.com 
I understand Grace is for all who except it. no question that’s what the Word tells us. my question is Vs.16, “…So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen.” Does this mean that it is harder for a ” long time ” believer to Keep..seeking.. and enter the Kingdom?
Hi Rob…
Help me out here. The reference that I think that you are mentioning about being called and chosen is found in Mt. 22:14. That parable is about the ultimate availability of salvation to those who were initially not invited (Gentiles). Again, it doesn’t diminish the gift (invitation) to those who were previously invited and chose to come.
The “level playing field” doesn’t bring us all ‘down’ to a common level… it raises us ‘up’ to a grace that none of us deserve or are able to attain on our own.
Hope that helps shed light on what I think.
C
No, I am asking about vs.16. Mat.22:14 does have similar words. I understand the ref in the Parable of the Marriage supper. but why in the parable of the laborers. there is a foot note that indicates some versions omit vs. 16. I understand your comment of a level playing field. still confused how vs 16 relates to Grace.
Hi there Rob…
I am unsure of the reasons for some not authenticating v. 16 so let me answer this based on the assertion that it is accurate (NIV is what I was referencing).
Where the phrase fits into the context of grace is more about ‘our perceptions’ of priority rather than God’s. What I believe Jesus is referencing is the common wage given to all labourers… not about a waning of long-serving labourers. Thus grace is afforded to all who come to be with Him… regardless of the position or priority or quantity that ‘we’ may feel should be merited.
If I am misunderstanding the context of your comment, feel free to email me directly to continue the conversation. I’m glad you’re working through it.
C