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The Everyday Sabbath

5 days until Sunday morning Coffee Haus

Published about 4 hours ago • 2 min read
“But he answered one of them, ‘I am not being unfair to you, friend. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius? Take your pay and go. I want to give the one who was hired last the same as I gave you. Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?’
— Matthew 20:13–15

How is This Fair?

“That’s not fair.” Who do you expect to say something like this? A kindergartener? A frustrated teenager?

How about grown adults? You might sound fancier now, but this complaint does not leave. When something is unfair it catches your attention. Everyone should be treated equally, right?

Fairness is at the heart of Jesus' parable in Matthew 20 — shouldn’t workers who serve the whole day expect more from the boss… than those who only worked an hour?!?

Look, there’s nothing wrong with advocating for fairness among people… but between you and God there is no “fair”. The fair thing would be for God to punish every sinner. He would be just to wipe the earth clean regardless of how good or bad you view yourself and others.

But he’s unfair in the best way. He’s generous with his mercy. He shows forgiveness even to those who outwardly look like they have no right to claim it. But neither do you! You need this. You want God to be unfair — because that includes you. It means you’re forgiven too.

This week… consider…

➡️ Who – from your perspective – seems unworthy of God’s forgiveness? Is there a difference between the way God sees you and them?

➡️ What is it about God’s generosity that surprises you?

-Pastor Jacob, Beautiful Savior Oakley

Last Week's Sermon

Jonah 3:10 - 4:11

"Fair" does not exist between us and God. Strict fairness would mean judgment for every sinner — instead, God is unfair in the best way, generous with mercy toward people who have no right to claim it. This past Sunday, we talked studied the end of Jonah's story, exploring what one furious prophet reveals about the God we actually need.

This Sunday: Anniversary Worship & Coffee Haus

Come celebrate our one-year anniversary in Oakley! Expect a 1-hour worship service centered on God's word, a few classic hymns, and a scriptural message. Stick around for free coffee from ​The Coffee Haus​.

Text COFFEE to (513) 986-7740 (or click here) for a reminder.

We'll get started at 10 a.m. at the Eastside Recreation Center. Questions? Just reply!

I want to share an exciting project I've been a part of: a free app called Open Book. Every day it shares a section of Scripture for you to read and reflect on.

Open Book was created to help lifelong Christians and new believers alike commit to a Bible study habit. It teaches you how to interact with Scripture on both a personal and academic level by striking a balance between devotional encouragement and textual exposition.

If you try it, reply and let me know what you think!

— Pastor Jacob, Beautiful Savior Oakley

Open Book was created to help lifelong Christians and new believers alike commit to a Bible study habit. It teaches you how to interact with Scripture on both a personal and academic level by striking a balance between devotional encouragement and textual exposition.

 

11981 Pippin Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45231
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The Everyday Sabbath

from Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Oakley, Cincinnati, Ohio

When the daily grind overwhelms, God promises to bring rest through his Word. This daily devotion & journal prompt is written to accompany your morning coffee or nighttime routine.

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