Working under contract . . . Part III

Now, Christ, out of love for this wealthy young man, was ready to take him on as a disciple. That was the offer. Now, I want you to get past the notion that Christ offers little in comparison to what the world offers; in fact, those who believe that either openly or privately, have it the wrong way around. What the world has to offer is literally rubbish, in comparison to what Jesus offers those who follow Him. Not a fleeting this or that, but something that lasts, that can't be taken away; do you understand what that is like, loved ones? He told the rich young man to trade what he had, for what could never be taken away. Sell what you have, you will have treasure in heaven, and then, come be My disciple.

He went away sorrowful, because he loved his possessions more than, ultimately, Christ; and dear ones, how far away are we as a culture? Jesus explained that it is with great difficulty that a rich man enters heaven. So then all the disciples were astonished that this "straight A" student turned from the Way. Seeing all of this, Peter speaks up, and says in essence, Lord we've done what you just asked that man to do; what do we get? In short, what Jesus says, is that you get to rule with me; what ever you had to set aside to follow me, you will get it back 100 fold; and you get eternal life! Oh, and there is this little wrinkle; the last will be first and the first will be last.

It is from here, that Jesus goes right into the parable of the laborers in the vineyard. The first set of workers agree to a day's wage at the beginning of the day, and off they go to the vineyard. The master of the house goes out at the third hour and finds workers standing idle in the market place, so he says, Go to the vineyard and work, and I'll give you what is right; so they went. Three more times he goes out; the sixth, ninth and the eleventh hour. Each time he says, Go to work and I'll give you what is right, and each time they go.

Since this is a terrible place to leave you, and I am short on time; I want you to think about this until next time: What would you give to the workers who hired on in the latter parts of the day, and why?

More to come, loved ones.