The Last Shall Be First...

"But many that are first will be last and the last first.


are you meaning this verse in matthew19;30



if so this is an illustration ,

Jesus means that many people who are "first" in enjoying religious privileges, such as the rich young ruler, will not enter the Kingdom.

They will be "last." But many, including Jesus’ humble disciples, who are looked down upon by the self-righteous Pharisees as being "last"—as being people of the land, or ‛am ha·’a´rets—will become "first."

Their becoming "first" means they will receive the privilege of becoming corulers with Christ in the Kingdom. Mark 10:17-31; Matthew 19:16-30; Luke 18:18-30.


it seems things are not always how it seems .
and there is not only a first century fullfillment of Jesus illustration, but one for the 20th century also , those who think they are the ones with it all because they were the first find that they are not the ones at all







 
peace, Luna

I am back:)

The prophet Muhamed peace be upon him said that most habitation of paradis are the poor. yet, this doesnt mean that the poverty behind their entrance to paradise. But, it is rather the fact they wouldnt judged about money: where they get it from, and where they spend it. This question would be one of the most important question that God would ask us in the doomsday.

AL-hassan albassri was a very devout scholar. One day, while he was dressing in a very elegant way, he met an unbeliever who was dressing very poorly and dirtily. The unbeliever said to Albassri: "there is a saying of your prophet which says that this world life is a prison to the believer, and paradise to the unbeliever. But, look at my status and yours. You are dressing better than me". Albassri smiled, and said in a very wise way: " My life in this world in comparison to my life in the hereafter is prison, and your life in this world, no matter how it is, in comparison to your life in the hereafter is a paradise"
 
The principle expressed by the first shall be last, and the last first, refers to an inverted order that pertains to the heavenly realm, as opposed to the apparent order of the material world and the life in it.

It cannot be seen apart from other like expressions, such as, that in order to be great, one must be the least (as a child); in order to lead, one must consider the interests of all others (as a servant); in order to be exalted, one must humble oneself. And, of course, to receive, one must humble oneself to ask; to find, one must acknowledge lack, and seek; to enter, one must affirm need, and knock.

What the principle reveals is that the peck orders of this world, and the stuff that uphold them, such as power ---- control (rule) over others, as well as control (possession) of things ---- are turned upside down in the spiritual world.

The Alpha Dog of Religious Society A, of Town B's Community C, will leave it all behind, and a different set of values will "place" him in the Heavenly Order. Worth ascribedto him will no longer be measured in dollars or office, but in, possibly, hopefully, "Well done done, thou good and faithful servant!"

Since pecking orders and the host of hellish hearts are just as present among the materially poor, and material wealth appears irrelevant in the spiritual dimension outside time and space, such placement seems to have everything to do with the holiness of heart and usefulness to others obtained in whatever circumstances or station the Good Lord by His Divine Providence had placed one in.

The internal order reigning in one's life should be an indication of the extent the heavenly order has taken hold of and permeated the heart, even while one participates in the order of this world. And all religions would have love rule the life.

Respectfully,

Learner
 
It cannot be seen apart from other like expressions, such as, that in order to be great, one must be the least (as a child); in order to lead, one must consider the interests of all others (as a servant); in order to be exalted, one must humble oneself. And, of course, to receive, one must humble oneself to ask; to find, one must acknowledge lack, and seek; to enter, one must affirm need, and knock.

Nice! It has a great deal to do with the washing of feet in the New Testament. It was always the host who lowered himself to the task and became the servant of others. Aside from this, Jesus taught 3 marks of discipleship; selflessness, servitude, and sacrifice. The first was in doing acts required of us for which we are not to seek the approval of mankind or reward from the world. We save our treasures for the kingdom. In this we do not seek power or wealth but become the least of all at 'table'.

I have always been impressed with Sir Anthony Hopkins' interview about his role in, Remains Of The Day. He asked the head of house of the royal family as to how a butler should act in the presence of his employer and his guests. The reply he received was as follows. "When I am serving, there is one less person in the room." (Freely translated from the proper British)

Nice to be back.
Victor G
 
I have always been impressed with Sir Anthony Hopkins' interview about his role in, Remains Of The Day. He asked the head of house of the royal family as to how a butler should act in the presence of his employer and his guests. The reply he received was as follows. "When I am serving, there is one less person in the room." (Freely translated from the proper British)

A box of tissues PER person film that. Incredible.

s.
 
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