The Generosity of God

In the New Testament book of Matthew (20:1-15) is a parable known as the “Parable of the workers in the vineyard”. However, I call it the "Parable of the Generosity of God" because the most important point is given by the landowner (representing God) who asks the complaining workers, "...are you envious because I am generous?"

We all experience the generosity of God but do we deserve God’s kindness? Blessings of health, the ability to work, raise a family and enjoy recreation and leisure? And most of all do any of us deserve the blessing of heaven? Can anyone say we deserve to spend eternity in the presence of God? Do any deserve the sacrificial death of Christ on the cross? In every instance the answer is no—none of us deserve God's unlimited generosity. And yet, in Psalm 103 we read "as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love toward those who fear him." No doubt the generosity of God is best expressed in this unlimited love poured out on all creation.

However, if we try to use the love of God, and thoughtlessly neglect eternal values of life we run the risk there will be no time or desire for repentance and we could be eternally separated from God's generous love by our own selfishness and carelessness.

God's reward of eternal life is freely given to all who willingly accept. It is not limited to those who have served him a long time but it is limited to those who accept by faith in Jesus Christ, God’s Son. If you have not accepted Christ by faith I urge you to do so now. It is a simple, but life-changing process. The following straightforward prayer, prayed honestly from the heart, can be your doorway into eternal life and into the bounties of God.

“Lord Jesus, I believe you are God’s Son and the Savior of the world. I am sorry for my sin and especially the great sin of not believing in you. I ask your forgiveness and seek your help to live a godly life. I know I can’t do it in my own strength. Please come into my heart and be my Savior. Help me serve you faithfully all my earthly life and throughout eternity.”

This gift of salvation is God’s supreme act of generosity and his highest joy! The greatest joy of heaven is found when we repent of sin and gain this wonderful salvation.

You would think God could have found an easier way to provide for our salvation than to send his only beloved son to die on a cross! But God didn't look for the easy way. He wanted the best way—for you and me and for the whole world—and that Way is the Lord Jesus Christ.

The danger is that we depend too much on the generosity of God. Simply because he is generous, loving, compassionate, and understanding—does not mean God is a soft touch. We must not presume to put off eternal decisions to a later date and then depend on God to give us the added time necessary to accept him at the last minute. Don’t wait until it is time to die before making provision for eternity. If we deliberately do so, we gamble with our eternal souls and may be tempting God. We have the clear warning in scripture that we should not be so deceived because the norm is that “a man reaps what he sows." (Galatians 6:7 NIV)

The good news is that the person ready to die is the one most ready to live. If we prepare now for eternity we also experience abundant life in the present.

I’m Rick Blumenberg and that’s

 “My View from Tanner Creek”.