Feb. 8, 1953 THE DIVINE GENEROSITY Matt. 20:1-16 Pointers on the Lesson There are differences of opinion as to the interpretation of the parable before us today. It appears, however, that our Lord has given us a duplicate set of keys to unlock the meaning of the passage. The first set appears just before the parable, the other at the end of it. In the first place, we read, “ But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first” (19:30). In the second instance, our Lord says, “ So the last shall be first, and the first last” (20:16). The teaching of the parable must be sought in connection with the question of Peter in chapter 19, verse 27: “What then shall we have?” We sense a bit of selfishness in this question. The Lord answered the question graciously but inferred that such a matter should be left to the Lord to care for in His own wis dom. He further intimates that some who think they will receive the greatest reward in the future day will receive the least. The Wrong Interpretation Many have so interpreted the parable as to teach that salvation is the matter under consideration. Those who hold this view say that the laborers are sin ners, and that no matter when they receive the Lord Jesus Christ as Saviour, their reward is eternal salvation. They stress the idea that the parable teaches that salvation is the same for every one, whether he has been a believer an hour, a day, or four score years. Now all of this is certainly true and it cannot be emphasized too much. But the writer does not believe it to be the teaching of this parable. The Right Interpretation It is the matter of rewards that is under consideration, not salvation. In no sense do men labor for salvation, and there is a lot about laboring in the par able. No one can labor for his salvation but rewards may be earned by diligent service in the Lord’s vineyard. However, these rewards must be earned in a spirit of humility and their granting must be left entirely to the wisdom of our House holder. There is a warning in the parable I against the spirit of bargaining in the service of God. The laborers who were the first to be called into service bar gained for their wages before beginning work (w . 1,2). The others trusted the householder to do what was right. What God seeks upon the part of His servants is faithfulness (1 Cor. 4 :2). Upon this basis they will be rewarded, whether the work be short or long, inconspicuous or spectacular. One great truth then is taught in this parable. We should not try to make it teach more. It teaches that after a person belongs to the kingdom of God, it is his I
™ « i i ^ !oltorMnwa
COHERE are many lonely children in Korea—and many lonely men and women. Since the war began, 10million Koreans have lost their homes. 3% mil" lion havelostall their possessions. Thou sands have lost all of their loved ones. The stricken people of Korea need the comfort and hope that only the Gospel Your prayerful support of the Pocket Testament League Korean Campaign will take the Gospel to them in printed and spoken word. We need your help. Alfred A. Kunz, E xe c u tiv e D irecto r THE POCKET TESTAMENT LEAGUE, Inc. 156 Fifth Avenue, New York 10, N. Y. can give. They need to know of a Saviour who loves them.
i
j
>->
F o r B e tte r W o rsh ip and S o n g ! FAVORITE HYMNS Revised I The New All-Purpose Songbook for / • SUNDAY SCHOOL • WORSHIP SERVICES • CONFERENCES I / • RALLIES o YOUTH GROUPS • SPECIAL MEETINGS O N L Y / Favorites of $ 1 0 2 . 5 0 / / Yesterday—Today—Tomorrow \ P®r TOO / / A truly favorite collection o f 364 gospel \ ’ no*Prepaid J / hymns chosen from the albums o f the ' l I / / / / past, from the best-loved favorites of ' /
today, and from a nation-wide prize song contest with its candidates for “ favorites of tomorrow.” Musical rich ness and spiritual appeal that will strengthen your congregational sing ing. National Song Contest Provides 30Brand-New Selections From almost 2000 new and unpublished gospel songs, submitted by over 1200 entrants, a total of 31 prize winners are included in a special section of this exciting new book. An excellent variety o f singable numbers from the zestful, power-packed Sunday school song to the heart-warming, dignified church hymn.
CHECK THESE FEATURES Unexcelled classification for any oc casion, including special days 364 selections, including 20 outstanding choruses. 72 numbers on Christ Jesus Our9Lord, 76 on Christian Graces, etc. 27 choice Scripture readings for re sponsive use * Topical and title” indexes Large, dear type on hymnal-sizç pages Beautifully bound in maroon cloth, gold stamped Single copy price, $1.25 postpaid
I The Standard Publishing Co., Cincinnati 10, Ohio I Please send a returnable sample copy of FAVORITE | HYMNS REVISED. We understand book may be | returned for full credit within 30 days. I NomA ........................ I Address. City----- _State-
Position. Church—
TH E S T A N D A R D P U B L IS H IN G C O . 20 East ¿entrai Pkwy. Cincinnati IO. Ohio
J A N U A R Y , 1 9 5 3
Page Twenty-nine
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker