Day 26, January 26, 2021

Day 26, January 26, 2021
Scriptures: Genesis 45-46, Matthew 20
 
Joseph finally reveals his true identity. His brothers can hardly believe it, but it is made clear to them that he is in fact, the brother they sold into Egyptian slavery.
 
And it is clear to Joseph, that while these brothers acted harshly towards him, it was all within God’s plan. His dream was coming true, and he saw God working within all of it, to accomplish His purposes.
 
In our Gospel reading, we have another parable. The workers in the vineyard express their frustration that some have worked the entire day, while others only worked part of the day, but they enjoy the same payment. 
 
The gift of the kingdom is going to come to us all, despite when we arrived on the workforce.
 
I suppose Joseph’s heart has something to teach us here. He endured much, became a slave, and found himself in a position to bless others. He saw God at work within all of it. Jesus gives us this parable to get a good sense of what is to come for the Gentiles. The Gentiles will be the late arrivals to the workforce. But they too will have a place in the kingdom. Israel did all of the early work, carrying the burden of the promise and the law, but the Gentiles will get an inheritance too.
 
We have a place in the kingdom. It’s all a part of the Good News. We are all invited to become servants of God, in the Kingdom of God, inheritors of a new hope.
 
We all want to be great in the kingdom. But Jesus changes our focus. James and John’s mom, wanted for her boys to have a great spot in the kingdom. Perhaps, number 1 and 2 to Pharaoh, like Joseph. Like Joseph’s situation, that’s for God to grant. Jesus says, “We are past all of this gentile lordship, high official nonsense… whoever wants to be first must be your slave –just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
 
We are called to serve. We have a place in the kingdom. And it is not about moving upward in importance, stature, and power. It’s about simply having a place on the workforce, a part of the family of God. Like Joseph, he became a slave, and was given an opportunity to bless others. Let’s do the same!
 
Join the team!
Jordan