TOO LITTLE, TOO LATE, TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE

Saturday, September 27, 2008

"Those who have the last place now will have the first place in the future." (Matthew 20:16)

Max became acquainted with Ben when he was barely fifteen and Ben was seventy. Max was young and convinced that the best was yet to come. Ben was weathered and crusty, living off of yesterday’s accolades. They met when Max was trying to get work in the oil fields during the school holidays.

It didn’t make any difference who got there first, all that mattered was the strength of your back and the experience under your belt. That’s where Max and Ben came up short. They were usually passed over. In the oil field they were common cast outs. Fellow failures. The “too little, too lates.”

The Bible tells a story of grace. The story of a landowner who needs workers. At 6:00 A.M. he picks up his crew and puts them to work. At 9:00 and then again at 3:00 he comes for a few more and finally at 5:00. The unskilled, untrained, uneducated went at 5:00. They were absolutely dependent upon a merciful boss giving them a chance they didn’t deserve.

We were chosen by God for the same reason the five o’clock workers were chosen for work. You and me? We are the five o’clock workers.

I’ll let Max tell the rest of the story: “You guys still need some work?” Ben jumped down from the barrel and answered for both of us. “Yessir.” “Grab your hats and lunches and get in the truck.” We didn’t have to be told twice. I’d already eaten my lunch but I grabbed the pail anyway. We jumped in the back of the flatbed and leaned against the cab. Old Ben put a smoke in his mouth and cupped his hand around the match to protect it from the wind. As the truck began to rumble, he spoke. Though it’s been twenty years I still can see his eyes sparkle through the furry brows. “Shor feels good to be chosen, don’t it boy?” Sure does, Ben, It sure does.”

Chosen by God. Yes Ben, it sure feels good to be chosen!

(Paraphrased and retold from Max Lucado's And The Angels Were Silent)