Impressive

Focus Verse
Matthew 20:16 (NRSV)
So the last will be first, and the first will be last.

     Maybe it was the Revelation text for this coming All Saints Sunday that connected me to this verse, but I also remembered a time many years ago that I preached a message on this. I am not sure that it was my absolute best in terms of reception, but as a preacher and writer it was memorable for me. It still feels like a bit of a technical masterpiece. I preached it backwards! Of course, the words and sentences were in their understandable order, but the thoughts and paragraphs were essentially in reverse. I wrote it out in regular order and then rewrote it in reverse. Then I added in a few markers and clues for the hearers to get the point and also be able to piece the message back together in their mind. I had a few repeated phrases to be sure that if they got a little lost, the point was still clear--God operates under God's own rules and the Gospel means a reversal of many things that the world holds dear. Of course, the main point of the entire parable that precedes this verse is that God choses to be generous and give abundantly. Sometimes, what God gives will seem "unfair." 

Here is the whole parable:

“For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with the laborers for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard.  When he went out about nine o’clock, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace; and he said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ So they went. When he went out again about noon and about three o’clock, he did the same. And about five o’clock he went out and found others standing around; and he said to them, ‘Why are you standing here idle all day?’ They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard.’ When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager, ‘Call the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and then going to the first.’ When those hired about five o’clock came, each of them received the usual daily wage.  Now when the first came, they thought they would receive more; but each of them also received the usual daily wage.  And when they received it, they grumbled against the landowner, saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’ But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what belongs to you and go; I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”

     After I stopped patting myself on the back and remembering all the remarks about it being a good and inspirational sermon, somewhere around Tuesday I realized that I had missed the point. I liked to hear that it was impressive, of course, but the Spirit asked me if my attitude was a part of the Gospel reversal. Pride had ensnared me. It is so easy to get caught up in our accomplishments, no matter how well meaning or positive in sense. This parable is not about hard work, but about the intersection of mercy and generosity in God's activity. To truly understand and proclaim Jesus, we need to let go of our urge to do better and measure ethical behavior only through God's lens of mercy. This in turn yields justice and peace.

Museum of Tomorrow Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Architect: Santiago Calatrava

     I saw a press release that Lego is releasing one of its largest sets of all time--the Titanic. It is $630 (and it is already temporarily out of stock at that price!) and consists of 9090 pieces. Yes, it would be a brag worthy, but not generous or merciful. Impressive buildings are fun to look at, but don't usher in the reign of the Way of Christ.

Dear Lord,

Help us to turn away from greed and wealth. Teach us your way of abundant and sharing love. Mold our hearts into multiple exchanges of mercy. You, O God, are steadfast and ever-living, showing love beyond our merit and our generations. We thank and praise you for choosing as you see fit. We all are dependent upon your grace. In the Name of Christ Jesus, we pray. Amen.