King of the hill?

September 22, 2024

Scriptures: James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37

When, or how do you like to be seen as ‘first’? Does this question ever come to mind, or do we sometimes take some measure of joy or satisfaction from being ‘first’ in something…or in the eyes of someone? I think we may not want to admit it, but it feels pretty ‘normal’ for us to aspire to be the best at something.

In truth,from the time of our birth we learned that the only way we got what we wanted was for our needs to be first on the list, for our wishes to be the ones that those around us focused on, either by how loudly we expressed them, or by how insistent and unyielding we might have been in doing so. Early on we learned that it was a good thing to express ourselves in such a way as to gain the approval of others or at least to get them to give us what we felt we wanted or needed…in some ways, it is just human nature.

I imagine that each of us has aspired to be ‘first’ at some point in our lives. Every one of us has most likely had a moment when we wanted to be the one who was a success, the one that others looked up to. In so many ways the approval of others often has such a strong hold on us. In fact, there are those who say that the approval of others is a primary motivator in how we conduct our affairs and in how we present ourselves to the world around us.  As though what we do or say is tied in with how we might improve our happiness, or our own security…in other words, it seems pretty important how we are seen in the eyes of others.

And truthfully it is hard to argue differently, given the ways in which we seem to look up to those in power, or who are strong, those who have the wealth or the means to control the affairs of others for good, or for the bad. In some sense the ability to be on the ‘top of the heap’ is seen as the better position.  Not that unlike the childhood game I imagine we all played at some point that was known as ‘King of the Hill’. You know, where one person sought to stay literally on top of something, perhaps a high point of ground, and to do so by physically throwing all challengers aside and back down…and if not all the way to the bottom, at least to a lower place on the hill.

Which in these days, and now as somewhat older I hope, begs the question, ‘in whose eyes do you wish to be seen as first’?  Who is it that is on the top of the hill in our society today, who is it that holds the highest position, who is seen and acknowledged as ‘first’? Who is in charge, who is in power, who is the one others look up to even if in fact they may not have a choice? 

I would propose that in this day and age, in the world in which we now live, the ‘first’ among us, in the eyes of at easr most of us…in other words, those who are ‘first’ in the eyes of the world are those who either by birth-fortune or by might, strength, cunning or deceit have managed to somehow acquire an overly large share of the resources that have been provided for all. 

Which brings us back to our starting question…in whose eyes should we truly seek to be first.  Is it really in the eyes of others around us…or was Jesus perhaps suggesting that the most important way, the more critical way was to be found in seeking to be ‘first’ in the eyes of God.

Which seems like an entirely different question. A question that I imagine not too many hjave actually considered…at least in the way that seems to be implied in today’s scripture. As I stated earlier, it seems as though most individuals around us are seeking to be first all on their own, and to be so in the eyes of others around them. For ‘being on top’, especially when it comes to one’s personal ‘hill’ seems to offer a more concrete sense of security.  Wealth, or even a moderate over-sufficiency of resources may blind one to concerns about the future, for wealth is very often seen as the ultimate personal security against future want or calamity. 

I’m reminded by how addictive this desire for personal security can be, and how much we can be lured into trusting in ‘things’, ‘money’ or ‘savings’ by an article I read regarding the conversion of decommissioned nuclear missle silos into high-end secure condos to be used in the event of a national disaster or even a nuclear attack.  These ‘apartments’, built into this huge hole in the ground are self-contained units, actually communities which have all of the things required to live safely and apart from the horrors of a society or world gone haywire including a five-year supply of ready-to-eat meals. The only drawback I see to these multi-million-dollar safe houses in the Midwest, which are selling out as fast as they are constructed, is what these ‘groundhogs’ are supposed to do after five years have passed…other than perhaps to starve their way into sharing the fate of their poorer neighbors above ground some years earlier.

All kidding aside tho, Jesus was serious in proposing that the better way, the way that would lead eventually to a day when there would be no need for ‘safe-houses’ is that of learning to be seen as first in the eyes of God, rather than as first in the eyes of those of the world.  And, like many of his other teachings, Jesus’ words are once again fully counter to ‘conventional wisdom’, turning notions of ‘success’ and ‘achievement’ both then and now on their heads. Teaching instead that true goodness is to be found in being willing to put oneself last in the eyes of the world rather than first, trusting in the goodness of God as a source of security and provision rather than depending solely on that which can be obtained solely through one’s own efforts or good-fortune.

However, that was not an easy message to hear, and perhaps even more difficult to believe in and to follow. For the disciples felt they had already given their all in leaving behind their previous lives, families, and vocations to follow along behind this truly radical preacher. And as those of Hebrew faith, they had a long history of waiting for God, a long history of God  reaching out to them and rescuing them from extremely difficult circumstances. And now, yet again they found themselves under the oppressive heel of another subjugating power, making for another extended period of waiting on divine deliverance.

And then, along came Jesus who many were suggesting might actually be the one they had been waiting for. And with time and with constant observance of the life and works of Jesus the disciples became more and more convinced that they had signed on with the winning team in what seemed to be a developing showdown between Jesus and the reigning powers of the day both religious and political.

And in spite of the repeated warnings Jesus gave them regarding the perils of trusting in worldly wisdom and worldly ways, the disciples still seemed to struggle with the consequences of Jesus’ message each time it ran counter to the blessed future and now even ‘royal’ narrative they were living and seeking to write with their own lives.  They were sure that every day with Jesus seemed to be an even better day for their future, as the works of Jesus made them feel as though they were following after one who was shortly going to overturn the powers and oppressors currently holding them captive. Not only that Jesus would be the new, reigning King blessed by God, but that they themselves would be installed as those who would hold seats of power and influence, and yes, wealth right alongside of him. In other words, they would be the new ‘Princes of the Hill’ upon which Jesus stood as King, as those who now were held in great envy in the eyes of the world. 

And as we now know, they believed in the right person, but their narrative of future and royal blessings was far different than the actual experiences they all encountered following the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. And I am not sure, but I would bet that much later on they would reflect back on these words of Jesus concerning who would truly be ‘first’ and ‘last’, and wonder if it would ever feel as though that were actually the case.

And unfortunately it feels as though not too much has changed since then. As though the powers and forces that were arrayed against Jesus as he proclaimed those teachings, are still just as strong and just as dominant today. It seems as if the words of Jesus regarding who would be ‘first and last’ is still either deeply misunderstood, or deliberately ignored. We still allow the power conveyed by wealth and privilege to overrule the power of compassion and kindness. We still hunger after the world’s approval which is tangible and present, rather than seeking after the eternal approval of our Lord properly served and followed. We still seek the top of the hill even if it means standing on the shoulders or backs of those who labor to insure our comforts or whimsy. We still store up vast savings by the world’s accounts, in order to insure some sense of security and future provision. We still cross over and pass by on the other side of the road far too often, when traveling the road down to Jericho, thereby avoiding every modern-day ‘unfortunate one’ who might lie beaten or injured by the side of the road.

Jesus’ call to turn the wisdom of the world on its head remains the call upon each of us today. His words to trust in him and to take the lesser position, while trusting in the guidance and provision of God in doing so are still in force and still the road to grace and goodness. Each one of us is asked almost every day if we wish to be seen as ‘first in the eyes of the world’…or if we wish to be known as those who are ‘first in the eyes of their God’…

…these two things are not the same thing and they never will be…

…So by grace, let us each choose the lesser and more dependent place on that hill…

…for Jesus will come to us there…

…and we will truly be able to love as Jesus first loved us…

…amen