142. From Twenty-five to Thirty-five.

And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way. - Matthew 20:3-4.

The reason for employing these people must have been gracious. Surely the good man could have waited till the next morning; but he charitably chose to employ the needy ones at once. He did not need laborers, but the poor men needed their pennies. Certainly it is sovereign grace alone which leads the Lord God to engage such sorry laborers as we are. Let us inquire:

I. HOW MAY THE LORD BE SAID TO GO OUT?

1. Inasmuch as the impulse of grade comes first in every case, and none go into the vineyard till he calls them.

2. Inasmuch as there are times of revival, when the Lord goes forth by the power of his Spirit, and many are brought in.

3. Inasmuch as there are times of personal visitation with most men when they are specially moved to holy things.

II. WHAT IS THE HOUR HERE MENTIONED?

It represents the period between 25 and 35 years of age, or thereabouts.

1. The dew of youth's earliest and best morning hour is gone.

2. Habits of idleness have been formed by standing in the market place so long. It is harder to begin at the third hour than at the first. Loiterers are usually spoiled by their loafing ways.

3. Satan is ready with temptation to lure them to his service.

4. Their sun may go down suddenly, for life is uncertain. Many a day of life has closed at its third hour.

5. Fair opportunity for work yet remains; but it will speedily pass away as the hours steal round.

6. As yet the noblest of all work has not been commenced; for only by working for our Lord can life be made sublime.

III. WHAT WERE THEY DOING TO WHOM HE SPOKE? "Standing idle in the market place."

1. Many are altogether idling in a literal sense. They are mere loafers and dilettanti, with nothing to do.

2. Many are idle with laborious business–industrious triflers, wearied with toils which accomplish nothing of real worth.

3. Many are idle because of their constant indecision. Unstable as water they do not excel (James 1:6).

4. Many are idle though full of sanguine intentions; but as yet their resolves are not carried out.

IV. WHAT WORK WOULD THE LORD HAVE THEM DO?

He would have them work by day in his vineyard.

1. The work is such as many of the best of men enjoy.

2. The work is proper and fit for you.

3. For that work the Lord will find you tools and strength.

4. You shall work with your Lord, and so be ennobled.

5. Your work shall be growingly pleasant to you.

6. Your work shall be graciously rewarded at the last.

V. WHAT DID THEY DO IN ANSWER TO HIS CALL? "They went their way." May you, who are in a similar time of the day, imitate them!

1. They went at once. The parable indicates immediate service.

2. They worked with a will.

3. They never left the service, but remained till night.

4. They received the full reward at the day's end.

Let us pray the Lord to go out among our young men and women.

Let us expect to see such come into the church, and let us guide them in their work, for they come into the vineyard to labor.

Let us inquire if some will come now.