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16. So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.Matthew 20:16. Jesus tells a story of a landowner who goes to the marketplace and hires men to work in his field. They agree on a price. Each hour after, he hires more, until the last only work 1 hour. Those hired first thought they would get more, seeing they worked all day. But as the owner paid, he started with the last and went to the first. Each got the same wage. Those who were first were angry because they did not get more. The owner asks, "Is this not what you agreed on? Do not be angry if I am generous with what is mine." Everything belongs to God, and if God gives eternal life to someone who has only known him for an hour, should we be jealous because we have served our whole life? God's grace is something we do not understand. If we think we deserve more, could not God give us what we deserve? Is not being saved from destruction because of our sin more than we deserve? There should be rejoicing when any sinner is redeemed. Amen.