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2003-01-31 - First = Last
God's Paradoxes, Part 2
Matthew 20:16 So the last shall be first, and the first
last. (NASB)
In our world especially America, we have a pecking order.
Usually, the rich are accorded more respect than the poor. Skilled athletes
who lead their teams to victories are adored, while police officers
who daily risk their lives for us (for little pay and difficult hours)
are treated with disdain. Glamorous Supermodels are ogled, while faithful
mothers and wives are taken for granted.
Magazines teach us how to look out for Number One, meaning ourselves.
We are constantly encouraged to seek to be first. Even some churches
treat certain people especially the rich with deference. Someone
who donates a lot of money can wield more influence over decisions, than
"ordinary Joes." These are the worlds values. But the church
both local and the church which consists of ALL believers in the world
should be different.
Mark 10:35-44 (NASB) Then James and John, the sons of
Zebedee, came to him. "Teacher," they said, "we want you to do for us whatever
we ask." "What do you want me to do for you?" he asked. They replied, "Let
one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory."
You don't know what you are asking," Jesus said.
"Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized
with?" "We can," they answered. Jesus said to them, "You will drink the cup
I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, but to sit at
my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for
whom they have been prepared."
When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with
James and John. Jesus called them together and said, "You know that those
who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high
officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever
wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to
be first must be slave of all.
In Gods Kingdom, the first (the one who will become great) must be
last (the servant). In the worlds power-hungry kingdom, mistreating
those under us is too often lauded. In fact, a recent popular American television
show featured a host who regularly berated the guests. This was supposed
to be amusing. I doubt our Heavenly Father found it to be very funny.
In the worlds Kingdom, people who look or think differently
the mentally challenged etc. are treated like Second-Class citizens.
But as the late Henri Nouwen was faithful to remind us, to our Heavenly Father,
they are First-class to our Lord, and they have some of the most pure, Christlike
spirits. Those of us who are "normal" or highly intelligent, rich or beautiful
- could learn much from those who are often last in the normal
scheme of things.
I challenge you (and myself) today, to ask God to help you align your values
with His, and to see the first and the last through His eyes.
Jan
cfdevcfpray@yahoo.com
http://www.cfdevotionals.org |
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