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"Flip the Script: Embracing God's Counter-Cultural Message of Valuing the Last Over the First"
"But many who are first will be last, and the last first." - Mark 10:31
In Matthew 19:30, Jesus says, "But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first." This verse echoes the sentiment in Mark 10:31 and emphasizes the idea that those who are considered lowly or insignificant in this world may be exalted in the kingdom of God.
Another similar verse can be found in Luke 14:11, which says, "For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." This verse speaks to the importance of humility and puts into perspective our own limited understanding of what constitutes greatness. In 1 Corinthians 1:27-29, Paul writes, "But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God." This passage reinforces the idea that God's ways are not our ways and that He often uses those who are considered insignificant by worldly standards to accomplish His purposes.
The idea that the first shall be last and the last shall be first highlights an important aspect of God's character: His love for the humble and lowly. Throughout the Bible, we see God's heart for the oppressed, the marginalized, and the forgotten. In Psalm 34:18-19, we read, "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all." This passage reminds us that God is near to those who are brokenhearted and humble in spirit, and He delights in rescuing them from their troubles.
Similarly, in Isaiah 61:1-3, we see that God's heart is for the poor and the oppressed: "The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair."
In the New Testament, we see Jesus embodying this same heart for the lowly and marginalized. He spent much of His time ministering to those who were considered outcasts by society, such as the tax collectors, prostitutes, and lepers.
The idea that the first shall be last and the last shall be first can give us hope and joy even in times when we feel overlooked or undervalued by others. Instead of despairing over our position or status in comparison to others, we can find comfort in the fact that God sees and values us even when the world does not.
This concept can also serve as a reminder to us to resist the culture of comparison and competition that is so prevalent in society. When we focus solely on achieving success or recognition, we can easily lose sight of the importance of serving others and living a life of humility. By valuing the lowly and humble, God provides an alternative way of life that transcends the worldly ideals of power and success. Ultimately, the idea that the first shall be last and the last shall be first reflects God's desire for all people to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their social status or position. As followers of Christ, we are called to embody this same spirit of humility and servanthood in our own lives, and to lift up those who are often marginalized or forgotten by society.
Amanda Allen
Write & Blogger
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