The last and the first

“But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.” - Matthew 19v30

We often like to talk about the great paradoxes in scripture. One that we talk about quite often is the idea that if we are last here on earth we can take confidence that when we get to heaven we will be first and all those who seem to have it first now will be last. Sounds great, and in some ways it appeals to our pride. The thing is, at least here in Matthew, it doesn’t fit the context.

The parable attached to this is the one of the labourers who start work at various times of the day. At the end of the day, all are paid the same. Those who worked all day re paid the same as those who only worked an hour. When they complained the manager told them that they had no reason to complain – they got what they were contracted to do. The last and the first were paid the same, there was no difference in rewards.

Now, we know that the Lord has rewards for our labour on earth. Various crowns are promised. The joyous thing is though that these will be cast and Jesus’ feet and then we will all be the same.

Heaven is going to be the great leveller. All those who are saved are going to be the same, there will be no difference between the first and the last, the eternal rewards will be the same.

Praise the Lord for levelling it all out in eternity.