Monday, December 12, 2011

Living in Uncertainty of God's Provision is Economic Hell

The last couple of days I have been struck by the generosity of GOD...even to his own hurt. His provision that comes out of HIS pain at the cross. Jesus, true GOD, on the cross, becomes SIN for us. By this he provides a way to the Father, no other way but HIM. Provision in pain.

God's generosity towards us is so great that our humanity sees it as unfair. That some thief on the cross gets the right to stand right next to us before the throne and worship in full. I have read books on heaven that seem to say there are slums and penthouses in heaven and those who just make it in, like the thief, will end up in a tin shack on the other side of the tracks. I reject that.

What has made me understand even more the wonder of it all is the realization of what entering into the protection and provision of God does for us on THIS side of the veil.

The parable of the workers in the vineyards who despite working 8 hours or 1, they receive the same pay for a days work is a prime example. Matthew 20:1-16

Some would say, God's not fair if he thinks this is OK. There never has been a time when God tried to be fair. He's good, He's Just, He's Generous, He's rightoues, He's Merciful, but to the human intelect it doesn't seem fair. That's not God's Problem, it's ours. When Jesus told this story, this parable, HE said that the Kingdom of GOD is like this. Therefore, to many, the Kingdom of God is not fair. IF you want fairness, you will have to visit another kingdom, of this world, ruled by powers and principalities you don't want to think about.

Let's consider those who only worked ONE HOUR. They spent the whole day without work. They weren't sure they were going to be able to feed their families one more day. They weren't sure they were going to be able to take care of their needs. They were anxious all day long. They were facing an uncertain future. They were not YET living in the provision and protection of the master.

Then consider those hired about the nineth hour. They worked all day. They knew from that hour they were going to make it. That dinner would come. That provision was certain. That there was nothing to worry about. They worked along side other men who had the same assurance, the same confidence in provision. They had the comeraderie and fellowship from those who worked side by side with them. They did not stress about the day to come. They were there together toward a goal.

It's only at the end they question the master when he pays everyone the same. Fairness rears it's ugly head. The enemy puts a question in their heart.

The answer by the master is the key:
Matthew 20: 13-15
People are angry with God because he is perceived unfair in his generosity. YET, that is how the Kingdom works and will work. It will look unfair to the world, yet it is generous beyond belief.

The future will belong to those who are generous, not to those who are fair. Entering into the kingdom is recognizing you will not always understand. He is GOOD...that is sure, but we may not always grasp his generosity.

It is the heart of GOD to be generous. YET, Christians live in lack because they are bound by a system that insists on fairness.

No comments: