THE UPPER ROOM DEVOTIONAL 20TH FEBRUARY 2025, THURSDAY MESSAGE
Read The Upper Room Devotional 20th February 2025 written by Sonya Monts (North Carolina, USA)
TOPIC: The Vineyard
Today’s Reading
Matthew 20:1-16
Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous? – Matthew 20:15 (NRSVUE)
Today’s Message
There was a major project at work. A co-worker I had never met was assigned to help me, but she was not there yet. The day went on, and I did the job alone. When she finally arrived, there were only two hours left in the workday. I was angry that I had already completed most of the work. Instead of working with her, I went on my own to finish the part of the project that I had started.
Then I recalled Jesus’ parable about the workers in the vineyard. Some people went to work later in the day in that story too, but the landowner showed all the workers the same respect, giving them equal pay. Like some of the workers in the parable, I had expected more for my hard day’s work — perhaps not more pay but at least more appreciation.
I was only human, and my feelings were normal. As I acknowledged my own feelings and thought about the parable, I began to understand Jesus’ teaching more fully. Jesus’ parable encourages us to show compassion rather than anger because God loves us all. When our workday was done, I thanked my co-worker for the contributions she had made to the project that afternoon.
Today’s Prayer
Dear God, thank you for Jesus’ teachings in scripture. Help us to reflect on his words and apply them to our daily lives. In his name we pray. Amen.
Thought for the Day
I will follow Jesus’ teachings and show compassion to those around me.
Prayer Focus
My co-workers
The Upper Room Devotional 20th February 2025, is a daily devotional magazine published in more than 30 languages and 100 countries around the world. The daily meditations are written by readers of the magazine and others interested in sharing their faith experiences through writing—both laity and clergy, published authors and new writers. Read More