Whilst watching the new advert for Muller yoghurt - the one with Yogi Bear and Mr Men in it - I couldn't stop thinking about Mr Topsy Turvy who does everything the wrong way round, very often totally backwards.
This led me to think about Jesus ... I know, strange link ... bear with me.
You see, there was a way things where always done until Jesus showed up and picked the fat kid first. So, not only did God give your friend more talents/brains/athleticism than you but he totally changed the rules to the game, under his new rules, everything is backwards.
- The last becomes first and the first becomes last
- The way up is the way down and the way to win is to lose.
- Instead of exalting the top dog, he exalts the underdog.
- Instead of climb 'up' the ladder, he says climb 'down' the ladder....
- Instead of living, He says die.
- Instead of 'be masters', He says 'be servants'.
In Gods story, the “religious goody two shoes who have been serving God all their lives” get to serve drinks at the huge party Jesus is throwing for the “rebellious runaway black sheep kids who have not contributed anything to Gods Kingdom”. I sometimes, feel inadequate and wish I had more talents/opportunities. But are you listening to me? Do you hear: God has changed the rules.
- It doesn't matter if you're the spiritual equivalent of the fat kid that got picked last in gym class
- It doesn't matter if you're lost or broken.
- It doesn't matter if you're a cleaner, rubbish collector or you pastor a church of five people
- It doesn't matter if you only have one talent or are average at everything
- It doesn't matter if you've scored many own goals.
- It doesn't matter if you've disqualified yourself
- It doesn't matter because Jesus changed the rules.
Our rules say guys like Lou Fellingham and Mike Pilavachi are first because they have more talent - which they do. Gods rules says the unknown, unsung hero cleaning the toilets before church is first. The good news is not: you're the most talented or influential 'player' on the team, cause you're not.The good news is in Gods story, the little guy is not only the first to be picked but he gets to play too. The fat kid gets to play. The un-athletic kid gets to play. The foreign kid gets to play. The unqualified, gets to play.
And I hope (to quote a Nigerian pastor) that I'm not the kid throwing a fit on the sidelines cause coach is doing something I didn't expect ... all I need to learn is this: With God, I get to play.
