By Jenni Ingram
Member, First Baptist Church, Gantt
Do you all know the parable of the vineyard workers? If not, see Matthew 19:30–20:16. It dawned on me while reading this during a difficult time one day that there can be many interpretations of the passage. My thought this day was of the lost as it applies to this parable. I gave my heart and life to Christ on Oct. 21, 2002, and I am confident of my salvation. But what about those who make “deathbed confessions” in the 11th hour? Are they any less saved than me? No — they will stand in the same judgment that I will and receive their reward just like me.
Well friends, now is the 11th hour. Jesus is coming and soon. I urge you to accept Jesus’ precious gift of salvation and become one of God’s workers now. Remember, the harvest is plenty but the workers are few (Matt. 9:37). We need you, brothers and sisters. We may feel like Peter after he denied Christ in John 21:15–18, totally guilty and unworthy. But Jesus still wanted him to fulfill his purpose. He gave him very specific instructions just like He gives us: “Feed My sheep.” He gives us another command in Acts 1:8: “Witness.”
We can’t keep this good news to ourselves, friends. Look around you. I guarantee if you spend more than five minutes in public you will come in contact with at least one person who is lost, struggling or out of relationship. How can you tell? Look at their faces. Look at someone and just smile. They may smile back, but that joy may not reach their eyes.
These are the “sheep” that need to hear us say, “God loves you,” and maybe even say a quick prayer for them. Be prepared — that may result in tears, but God will catch every one of those tears.
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