As I recently listened to a sermon on the Parable of the Vineyard Labourers (Matthew 20:1-16) the focus was obviously on the aspect of some being rewarded unequally compared to the efforts of others. However, it was in the middle of the sermon (and the passage) that I realised a parallel between the workers hired later and the fundraised missionary: working without knowing exactly what you will be paid.
If you notice, Jesus explains that the first set of workers had an agreed wage. The second, third and fourth set of workers are told they will receive “whatever was right at the end of the day” in verse 4. The fifth set of workers are told to join the others in the vineyard with no description of an agreed amount. Essentially, they are working without a contract. And so are we.
I’ve mentioned before some of the things we’ve learned about living on fundraised support (we’re also tentmakers for two-thirds of it, thanks to the unfavourable exchange rate and the ridiculous cost of living). The biggest thing I’ve learned is that fundraised living is an extreme exercise of faith and probably one of the biggest reminders of our immediate dependence on God.
Here are a couple of concepts I see in the parable:
We can’t dictate (or even predict) God’s provision
God gives according to how He sees fit. It may not adhere to earthly standards or our ideas of what is fair. By the way, just where do we get this concept of “fair” from? Kids seem to understand it from such an early age. We cry “unfair” all the time. If you look at it, He owes us nothing. We owe Him everything. Yet He provides abundantly for us. Seems pretty “unfair” by our definition.
It’s rough when your support drops the next month after a major catastrophe or when a supporter has decided to fund another missionary in another field. But we’ve found that new or surprise financial gifts have often, but not always, shown around that time to make up the difference. At no point has it put us in extreme jeopardy.
We must have faith despite appearances
Those hired last possibly expected a lesser wage for less of the day’s work. By the reaction of the earlier hires, it appeared to them that they would receive more if the late workers received so much. Though a cultural norm was present (and, indeed, wouldn’t we expect similar treatment today?), provision ignored the rules going both ways. And the first workers still received what they were promised; their wage was not reduced from the original agreement.
Watching others in ministry get a regular paycheck or receive considerable project funding can be discouraging at the time. But that’s the result of comparing ourselves to others. It’s not for me to question these things, and God is well aware of any needs I or my ministry have. I must keep myself to the task He’s set before me, trusting that His timing is perfect.
A friend once said, “God is never early. He’s never late, but He’s definitely never early.”
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I know all about this!! I have been in missions for the past 5 years and it can be so stressful sometimes but I always have to look back and remind myself I have never not been able to pay my rent and have what I need.
I don’t always have what I want but that is another story.
The bonus of living off support and by faith is that we are not limited to a salary. There have been so many times when money comes in just at the right time to pay a bill or go on an outreach – my life is not determined by my budget but by what God is saying.
excellent thoughts! AMEN! We are faith supported missionaries… not FULLY supported, but fully on faith!
Not easy… it is definitely a journey of faith! A journey that is a growing process. But God is ALWAYS faithful! and NEVER EARLY because He knows exactly when we need it! No need to be early.
I know you wrote recently that you don’t necessarily read missionary biographies, but if you ever wanted to read one someday, George Meullers’ life of faith is an encouraging yet challenging read. It has really stretched us each time we read it. We are encouraged by those who have walked our journey before us and succeeded… (sometimes we also learn by their failures, too).
@Sarah: Good thought, “not limited to a salary”. It’s an excellent way to see it.
@Roxie: You know, right after I posted the missionary biography piece, I remembered that I had read Brother Andrew back in Junior High. And you’ve just reminded me that I have read George Mueller–the book is on my shelf right now, and reading it was an encouragement and lesson in faith for provision.
I guess I just don’t solely seek out missionary biographies.
Cool thoughts.