Jock Ewing was a tough old bird. He was old school before there was even a
school. He believed in hard work, and much like J. Paul Getty, his success
could be attributed to “rising early, working hard, and finding oil.” But when
Jim Davis who played Jock died unexpectedly, they had to find a way for Jock to
leave the story, so he went to South America with friends to discover oil, and
never returned, no body found. Leaving his will stating that his two sons, JR
and Bobby would have a contest to see who could make more money in a year for
Ewing Oil, the winner getting 51%, the other 49%. Now Jock and Miss Ellie also
had a third son, Gary, who left home early, he was too nice and timid for the
oil business. So he was left out of the contest, it was the two older
brothers. And let the battle for Ewing Oil begin...
JR the older and more devious used everything in his power to win control,
and to sabotage Bobby. At the end of the year, he had risen stock prices to a
new high, and had made a huge profit for Ewing Oil, all the time trying to
sabotage Bobby any and every way he could. He figured he won at that point,
that he had proven he should and could run the company, and was about to send
his condolences to his younger brother. When at the last minute, in the last
show of the season, Bobby pulls off a huge oil find, with the help of Cliff
Barnes, the family enemy, and narrowly beats out JR. Defeated, JR pledges his
support to Bobby, but we all know better. Both brothers used all their skills
and opportunities available to them, and Jock would have been proud. He would
have told them “good job, I’m proud of both of you, but only one can win.” He
knew you can only serve one boss, particularly when money is the key. And
without Gary to deal with, he left, without any inheritance, Bobby won square,
but maybe not fair. Both had exceeded what they had, both had done well, but
only one won. But knowing JR, hang on until next year.
In Matthew 25:14-30 we find Jesus telling the parable of the talents. A
landowner leaves town, leaving three men in charge. To one he gives 5 years
pay, to another 2 years pay, and the third 1 year pay. And he leaves, with no
contest or instructions left. Upon his return he finds the one who given 5
years pay had invested it and doubled his money. The boss is impressed, and
tells him “well done faithful servant, enter into the kingdom.” The one with 2
years pay does as well, and is told the same thing. But the third one, was
afraid, he took his pay and buried it, never using it. The landowner when he
returned was so upset, he took it from him, and split it among the others. He
called him worthless, and the servant told him he was afraid of him because he
was a hard man, so he buried it in case the owner demanded it upon return.
Which he did, but only in his case. The other two kept their winnings. Maybe a
poor analogy based on the fictional Ewings, but we see here two important
things, using your talent to produce good is what God expects of you, the
salaries the owner left with his employees were called talents, and even the
least of them had one talent. Also we see the two richer ones being welcomed to
heaven, the kingdom, showing that not all rich go to hell, or all poor go to
heaven. Jesus emphasizes we are all given a talent to use for God on earth, so
no excuses for any failures. I can’t teach or sing, but you can pray for
others. I have little money to give, yes but you can give your time. No matter
how poor or how talented you may be when compared to others, God sees you as the
individual that Jesus died for, and has left you with certain responsibilities
far beyond those of mortal men. His command is to love, simple enough, no
investments needed. Like Jesus, we will be resurrected with him someday, and he
wants us to tell everyone. If we can’t, he expects us to show them. Let his
spirit change them, just be an example of his life changing ways. He expects
you to love your neighbor as yourself. Something when money is involved will
cause problems. So he keeps money from the equation. We all have a chance for
heaven, and it is not based on how well we do in life, it is based on Jesus
dying on the cross for our sins. “For our sins,” the most important part of the
statement, as history records Jesus died, even the skeptics and atheists cannot
deny that, even if they do deny his deity. But he died for our sins, is the
most important part, for if he didn’t life on earth would have no importance,
winning would have no victory party, and sin would rule over us. And like many
today still think they can work their way to heaven, many would and fail without
Jesus. Jock was looking for more than money from his sons, he was looking for
inner strength, and the power to succeed. Jesus is looking for sinners to
repent, pick up their crosses and follow him, leaving all behind. Looking ahead
to the kingdom to come, where we will live forever with him. Where we will be
called friends and a joint heir with Jesus, much unlike Gary being family and
cast out. Yet many will be cast out because they doubt or deny Jesus, maybe the
only talent they had was to make that decision and they blew it. Lazy,
confused, led astray by a cult or religion, they miss Jesus. The evidence is
there, the spirit is there, and he is calling, knocking on the door of your
heart. Will you answer him, for no matter how you are doing, have done, or will
do, he forgives you. Life is not a contest to win, it is a practice run for
heaven. And when we live on earth as it is in heaven, we see Jesus. We don’t
have to worry about the owner coming back and finding us asleep. We can sleep
every night knowing and expecting his return. And he will soon, and soon is
always sooner than you think.
JR and Bobby live on in reruns today. A whole new generation of Ewings now
run Ewing Energy. Times change, talents change, and the source of power
changes. But not for those whose name is recorded in the book of life. We look
forward to being greeted by Jesus himself in heaven, “well done my good and
faithful servant.” But cash in on the blessings today of using your talent. It
may be as easy as later in the chapter where he tells to feed the hungry, clothe
the naked, visit those in jail and sick, and welcome strangers. Basic ministry,
something we all can do. Don’t hide your talent in the ground, seek God today
and see it multiply. For God so loved the you, he sent Jesus. Jock and Miss
Ellie had three sons, God only needed one. Join the family today, and enjoy the
battle Jesus won for us. The battle for Ewing oil goes on and on....with God
even the Gary’s out there are welcomed, and forgiven. Stay tuned.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com