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 take 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 – Being Thankful

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 grumble about a co-worker 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 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 with thankfulness to God’s generosity and goodness even when directed to others, knowing He owes them nothing, but they owe Him everything.

Journaling helps you understand and respond to the Bible. As you journal, use the acronym HEAR to Highlight, Explain, Apply, and Respond to what you have read in the reading plan.

Bible Memory Verse – “And this gospel of the kingdoms will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” Matthew 13:17

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