Scripture
But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first. Matthew 19:30

Observation
Why is the church parking lot only partly full at starting time for Sunday service? In Australia they called it “Queensland time”; in Hawaii they called it “Hawaiian time; in Colorado “well people in Colorado…”. Those are the places I’ve lived. I’ve visited mission outposts around the globe and heard the same thing. There is a world-wide chronic habit to be late to church. It transcends culture and borders. What is the cause? We think life on earth is more important than heaven. We think our personal agenda matters more than the needs of our brothers and sisters in Christ.

We rush to get to work on time. We are embarrassed if our kids are tardy for school. Why then is it okay for us to “get there in time for the sermon”? These are all litmus tests of our view of eternity. The presence of Christ, the worship of God, the voice of Jesus, the word of the Lord aren’t quite as needed as a paycheck, good grades, promotion, contacts and all the things that lead to a good life here on the planet.

Tardiness toward God reveals that we are not ready for what Dallas Willard calls “The Great Inversion.” There is coming a day, that what brings pride now will bring shame then; what bring reward now will bring punishment then; what brings profit now will bring bankruptcy then. The first will be last, the last will be first, those who have been humbled will be lifted up. The poor, the meek, the hungry, the thirsty, the mourners, the pure in heart, the peacemakers and the persecuted will go to the front of the line and get the greatest profit from life. As for the rest, some will get into heaven scorched and smoking and others just won’t make it because they lived life valuing garbage and throwing away gold and gems.

Application
There is coming a day of the Great Inversion when the snow-globe of life will be flipped right side up. How I’m living now will determine what life will be like for me then. Here is one simple place I can start today: just listen to the voice of Christ as the most valuable event in my day.

Prayer
Oh Lord Jesus Christ, you test my devotion to you by giving me a relationship with you that has no punch clock, no tardy bell, no deadlines. It feels as if I have forever and you will always be there for me to come to you at my convenience. My eyes are opened that this is but a test. This is not reality; reality is on its way. One day I will stand in a place where I cannot change my planner or my to do list. Life will be over and what I value will be proved by what I did with my time, talent and money. I’m listening to you with a degree of fear. I so want to please you. Amen.