by Adelani Aderemi

Created on: August 26, 2009   Last Updated: August 29, 2009

In the parable of the laborers also called the parable of the vineyard workers, the reward system is not in accordance with standard labor laws found in the world. No worldly entrepreneur would design or accept such a reward system. Some laborers worked for twelve hours, some nine, and others six, three and one hour but they were all paid one denarii each according to their agreement with the vineyard owner. As though that was not irksome enough, those who worked the least were paid first and in that reverse order while the ones who labored for twelve hours were made to wait on their weary feet to be paid last. In the wisdom of the world, this could encourage laziness on the part of employees and is fraudulent on the part of the employers. It is the shortest route to a serious labor-Government impasse.

Service is a privilege

What was Jesus trying to say here? If we look closely at the parable again, I think He was trying to differentiate the reward system of the kingdom of God from the reward system of the world. Worldly wisdom is foolishness with God. Are we saying reward in the kingdom of heaven is not commensurate with labor? No. God rewards of those who seek Him diligently. In the revelation given to John, the risen Christ himself said Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done (Rev 22:12) The implication of this is that in this parable, the actual reward was not the denarii. The actual reward was the privilege of serving in the Lord's vineyard. It is a gift, token of love from a Father to a child. A good example is found in Num 18:7 where God told Aaron that; only you and your sons may serve as priests in connection with everything at the altar and inside the curtain. I am giving you the service of the priesthood as a gift. Anyone else who comes near the sanctuary must be put to death."

Right reason for service

No one can give anything back to God in payment for his life. The ransom sacrifice of Jesus was much more too precious than silver and gold. Serving the Lord then becomes a gift just as salvation itself is a gift received through our faith. And whoever is called by God to serve is equipped adequately for the service. We learn from this parable that same lesson that Paul was trying to teach when he warned Timothy to withdraw from those false teachers who said that godliness is a means of financial gain. From 1Tim 6:6-8 we read that; Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought

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