Today’s reading  Exodus 19-21; Matthew 20:1-16

Selected Verses

Now these are the rules that you shall set before them. Exodus 21:1

Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity? Matthew 20:15

Reflections

In today’s reading in Exodus, God gives His law to Moses for Israel. This law includes moral, political, and ceremonial aspects. Can you find any indication of grace in this law system? Yes, but it can be easily overlooked. The ceremonial law established a priesthood and offerings for sin, to atone for the breaking of the law. It points to a need for a permanent offering for sin. It anticipates the grace of God that would be revealed in Jesus Christ.

Nevertheless, the tone of the law sounds like justice, equity, and being responsible to do what is right. The political or civil law designated proper responsibilities for restitution to injured parties, ethical treatment of slaves, and so forth. It is easy for those under law to get a mentality of doing what is specified and no more. The minimum required tends to become the maximum rendered.

As John 1:17 tells us, “…the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”

Accordingly, Jesus’ parable of the laborers in the vineyard show how God pours His grace out on some. The master of the house paid the early workers their due but the later arriving workers got the same amount. The former complained about the disparity. They show they do not understand nor accept the graciousness of the master.

The law was given to show us our sin (Romans 3:19-20), but, having seen it, we are called to seek God who deals with His children with grace, giving what we have not earned nor deserved.

Think about it

Who would begrudge grace? Those who see themselves as righteous, not needing grace. Resentment toward God for His grace toward others indicates never having received His grace. Be warned. Seek the God of grace who in Jesus Christ, His Son, kept the law perfectly and made an offering for sin that covers all who turn to Him in faith and repentance.

© 2017 John A Carroll Used by permission