Rochester, MN UCC - "The First Will Be Last" - Matthew 20:1-16

Have you ever encountered someone who seemed to find great joy in knowing about things others don't- maybe a band, maybe an artist or author- and when others discover it they enjoy playing the expert and condescending to the newest fans. In the late 90's move, High Fidelity, the misfits running a record store bask in feelings of superiority for knowing all the cool bands, while at the same time disparaging anyone else who discovers those same bands as late to the game as losers. They like the same music, they inhabit the same world, but those who got their first are smug and refuse to celebrate others finding the things that they value and enjoy. 

The kingdom of heaven is like....well, not like that record store. In Matthew, Jesus tells us the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who throughout the day found laborers to work in his vineyard. From early in the day until the evening, he told them to go work. At the end of the day, those who arrived last were paid first and everyone was paid the same no matter how long they labored. Those who worked longest grumbled that they should be paid more. The owner reminds them that he paid them the agreed amount and to take what was owed. Don't let jealousy get in the way, I can do what I please with what I have. In the kingdom of heaven the last will be first and the first will be last. 

Being late to the game, isn't a reason to receive less of the gifts of God. We often get caught up with our desire for fairness, status, and superiority that we forget that God is rather unconcerned with all of those things. In our lives as individuals, I wonder how often we desire fairness rather than grace and mercy? How often do we require others to go through struggles and hardship because we had to go through struggles and hardship rather than cutting them slack? As a church, when new faces arrive and begin to change us, are we open to them or do we want deference because we've been here longer? Do we double down on fairness as the world calls for rather than being a place were forgiveness comes easy? Join me Sunday as we consider how we can live into this kingdom that is calling us. 

Pastor Shannon Smith