First United Methodist Church of Orlando

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WEEKLY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE

Open Bible

 

Stories that Jesus Told
The Parable of the Workers Paid Equally

Readings for the week of July 19-25
Matthew 18:21-35;    Luke 17:1-4;    Psalm 103:1-4,  9-12;    Colossians 3:12-15;  Genesis 33:1-4;    I John 1:5-9;    Acts 7:54-60.

Ephesians 2:4  4 "But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus."

What a beautiful passage!  I love the reminder that Ephesians gives us that God is rich in mercy.   What would that be like in my life, if I was rich in mercy to my family, my friends, and everyone around me at church.  I hope that you can recall a moment in your life where someone has been gracious to you – sharing a gift or a compliment or extending forgiveness when you did not deserve it. 

My birthday was last Monday.  It was easy to experience moments of gratitude as many friends and family members did different things to recognize my birthday.  Some sent me a card or gave a small gift.  Others wrote a quick note on Facebook.  A few playfully commented that I didn’t look any older!  Regardless, I was reminded in many ways of the gift of friendship and community, and of the grace that God gives us in relationships with one another. 

It is a refreshing experience to remember and reconnect with the reality of God’s mercy and grace in our lives.  You are loved.  You are invited through Jesus Christ into friendship with God, to know forgiveness and purpose in your life – despite the mistakes you have made or the times you have been apathetic. 
             
Of course, sometimes we may go through a day (or a week, or a month) and don’t remember God’s gifts.  It is possible to begin to take our relationship with God, our place in the church, and even our salvation, for granted.  We might feel a bit like the workers who sweated through the heat of the day, yet received the same payment as the latecomers (Matthew 20:1-16).  We might feel a bit like the older brother in the story of the loving father (Luke 15:11ff). 

Is it possible that you or I would ever feel upset about God’s forgiveness of someone else?  When we find ourselves feeling that way, it is a good reminder to think on God’s mercy toward us.  And…. even if we aren’t feeling that way, it will still be a refreshing thing to do!

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page updated July 27, 2010
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