“So those who are last now will be first then, and those who are first will be last.”

For both live theater performances and live music concerts, venues will reserve what they call “Ripple Seats”.  These are the seats, front two to three rows, center.  They are reserved to be sold to the most ardent and excited fans.  The top-grossing Broadway (and now global hit) show Hamilton, does a lottery for these seats and then sells them at some ridiculous low price like $10.  That’s a big difference than Row C center where the patrons might have paid $10,000 (yes, some have).  So, why sell Ripple Seats?  Well, when a live artist is looking for energy to feed from, having those fans who know every word in front of them, makes a huge difference. And, those in the Ripple Seats send an energy back and through the rest of the audience.  Sometimes, it is as simple as those close up, by example, giving everyone else the permission to clap, stand, dance or cheer!  Who sits in the Ripple Seats of your company?  Do you know who the ardent and passionate fans and followers are?  Are you giving them front row access to your best and “new”?  Consider, that Ripple Seats are packed with power, when filled!

The first shall be last.  The last shall be first.  Jesus’ teaching runs counter to all that we know and experience daily.  But, He certainly isn’t asking us to be last in speaking up for Him and not to be making our own ripples of His love, grace and mercy.  I remember from childhood a poster that said “Enthusiasm is Contagious”.  Maybe that is what God is calling for us to be for Him today, a little more enthusiastic about Him and to create a few ripples. The beauty is that we can create those ripples from any seat we have been given.

Reference: Matthew 20:16 (New Living Translation)