January 31st

Exodus 25 - 26, Matthew 20:17-34

Some days it is difficult to get excited about Exodus... Today's readings are God telling His people how they are to build the artifacts to properly worship Him. I have always understood that religious people need someplace to come together and share their faith. Before I became Christian, I understood this... But... I have always wondered why God wants all the Gold and silver and fine yarn and and and...

The houses of worship need to be supported by the congregation, but... Gold? Silver?

I gotta wonder where the inspired word of God leaves off and greedy leaders picks up...

Were the religious leaders of Jerusalem frightened of Jesus because he is the Messiah or because he threatened their secular way of life?

Matthew

Have you ever noticed that there is a theme running through the New Testament? Just askin'...

The last shall be first and the first shall be last... the greatest among you must be a servant...

The words are often confusing at first reading... and often I have asked the question, 'What does he mean by that?'

I was far too small to play football in high school... so, initially to keep peace in the house I stayed with the football team as a manager and then student athletic trainer... Long hours, ridicule from a majority of the jock/cheerleader types and, unfortunately my picture in the paper my junior and senior years... My picture... not the Star Quarterback or Running Back... me... the kid with the tape scissors.

I did it to appease my father, but stayed because the coaches (whom I greatly respected) convinced me I was making a valuable contribution.

I never asked for anything from the team... but the summer after I graduated Chuck Burner (head coach) asked me to come back and train some new kids... Then away I went to college... That October, Coach Burner called me at college and asked if I was going to be in town for homecoming, and if I was, was I planning on coming to the game? It seems they really needed some help... so of course I came

I got set up...

At half time, after all the Homecoming Queen stuff... The AD & Coach Burner stayed at mid-field and told everybody about what I had really done over 4 years... Kept things running smoothly, kept players healthy, fixed stuff without being told to... just the everyday stuff I had done. Then, in front of 5000 people they pulled me out on the field and presented me with a football signed by all the players and coaches. (I would like to thank my ex-wife for loosing that football) later, back in the locker room they gave me a check for $150, from the players & coaches to say thanks...

I never wanted thanks (then money was nice and it was 1972...) nor sought recognition... but by making myself a servant I followed this gospel... I was the least among them, when I was on the team and they made me first...

My friend Larry Kershner calls it selfless service... doing something because it needs to be done and it is the right thing...