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“So the last shall be first, and the first last” (Matthew 20:16).
When we first read this verse, it might seem strange to us. How can the first be last, and the last first? This verse is important, for it is repeated in Mark’s gospel. The Lord Jesus is stressing something we all need to learn.
Even as Christians we can want to “be somebody,” and be given a place of honor and recognition. Of course, a believer who has some gift and who uses it for the Lord may be honored for it, but to want to be important, and to work towards it, is simply pride. Sadly, there are many believers in the world today who have pushed themselves into prominent places in Christian circles, often making a lot of money, and getting a lot of praise. On the other hand, there are others who are quietly serving the Lord, not looking for any recognition in this world, and who are content to leave any reward to the Lord.
In a coming day, when the Lord hands out rewards, those who remained in the background in this world may well be first, while those who used their time and energy to have a prominent place down here may end up last. Let us be content to work quietly where the Lord places us.
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