April 11, 2019
My Dear Brothers and Sisters, I greet and bless everyone in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. The blessed word that God has given for you today, is from the book of Matthew 19:30 “But many, who are first will be the last and the last first.
My Dear Brothers and Sisters, from the above context we understand that this verse is repeated by Jesus Christ in several occasions. Jesus actually made this statement in the context of His encounter with the rich young man. After the young man turned away from Jesus, unable to give up his great wealth. At that point of time the disciple asked Jesus what reward they would have in Heaven, since they had given up everything to follow Him. Jesus promised them a hundred times as much, plus eternal life. Then He said, but many who are first will be last. And many who are last will be first.
My Dear Brothers and Sisters, that is why Paul admonishes the people to pray without ceasing. He says, Rejoice always, pray without ceasing. Give thanks in all circumstances for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Hence even if you think you can stand up to temptation be careful not to fall. Here it conveys a warning, that mans estimation is liable to error and it must not be thought that those who are first in privilege are therefore highest in God’s favour. The Lord may have had in view the case of Judas who was an early apostle, and had the care of the bag and fell by reason of covetousness, and that of one like St. Paul who was called late and yet laboured more abundantly than all that were before him. The application may be made with perfect truth to many professors of religion. Hence the Bible warns, Therefore let anyone, who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. May God help you to make the right decision.
God bless you.
Prayer:
Our loving heavenly Father, we thank You for this blessed day. Thank you Lord for the favour we have found in your sight. Lord give us the strength to stand firm to the very end. And not to lose hope or drift away, or be carried away by the attractions of this world. Lord fill us with the Holy Spirit to take control of our lives. May we wholly surrender to you and find favour in Your sight.
In Jesus name we pray.
Amen.
