Dear Faith Family, 

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

Whataburger for the win!  Lunch it was.  Some friends and I met at the local fast-food restaurant to enjoy some fellowship and?  A chicken sandwich, of course!  Whatachicken! 

At some point a gentleman took a seat diagonally across the aisle.  I noticed that he was wearing a Marines hat.  On our way out I stopped and asked if he served.  “Yes” was his reply.  He continued.  “I was a pilot in Viet Nam.”  There was more.  “I got shot down.  I lost my nav (navigator).  He was killed.  I was captured.” 

I asked him how long he was in captivity.  “Two years.  They beat me half to death.”  He even showed me the scar on his knee – a victim of POW abuse.  Before making my way to the truck, I thanked him for his service.  He seemed to appreciate the interest. 

I don’t know if he knows that looking at him, I see a hero.  One who served with honor.  There was a humility about him that was attractive.  He was unassuming, an employee of a fast-food restaurant.  I’ve never noticed him before. 

Could it be that Jesus would call him “first”?  Afterall, Jesus did say, the last will be first.   

Years ago, when our oldest child was quite young, her eye exam revealed that she needed glasses.  Her sweet little face newly adorned with corrective lenses, we loaded up in the minivan.  As we pulled out, her precious voice filled the air: “I can see the grasses!”  I guess prior to glasses, the “grasses” were just a sea of green! 

Here's the point.  We need corrective lenses if we’re going to see things the way that they truly are.  This world can teach that the first will be first.  The last?  If we’re not careful, we will look right past them.  I wonder how many I’ve never even noticed.  Interesting that Jesus noticed.  He noticed the children.  He noticed the two blind men. He noticed the rich young man.  He noticed me.  He noticed you. 

Who are you noticing? 
Pastor Karl