While flying to the 1998 All-Star game in Denver, Indians’ shortstop Omar Vizquel glanced back from his first-class seat and noticed 15-year-old Rachel Dando struggling to get into a coach seat while wearing a large knee brace. Rachael had been injured in a softball game. Vizquel walked back and invited Rachael to sit in his first-class seat. “I’ve been on the disabled list twice with torn ligaments, so I felt sorry for her,” said Vizquel. “I never told her who I was.”

Matthew 20 –  Generous Grace

Omar Vizquel’s gracious deed reminds one of Jesus’ parables about hired workers in a vineyard. In the Parable of the “Day Laborers in the Vineyard” (20:1-16), Jesus teaches His disciples what it really looks like when “the last shall be first, and the first last.” The point of Jesus’ unusual parable isn’t that people get what they deserve or should work hard for their wages. It is about God’s grace, shown in the landowner’s overwhelming mercy, generosity, and goodness.

It’s common for someone to feel envy and complain about a coworker or teammate who receives grace from a generous person or coach. God’s economy isn’t based on merit, wages, and hard work. He provides us with everything we need, and we’re to be satisfied with what He gives, even if it’s not the same for everyone.

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete respond gratefully to God’s generosity and goodness, even when it’s directed toward others, understanding that He owes them nothing, but they owe Him everything.

Bible Memory Verse – “Jesus said to him, ‘If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.’” Matthew 19:21 (LSB)

Click HERE for the Kingdom Sports Minute on The Problem of Envy.

Click HERE for the Kingdom Sports Book of the Week – Patience in Action Book 4 of 9 (Virtues to Victory Series)

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