The First Shall Be Last (Mark 9:35)

Laurel wreath.

Laurel wreath. Image courtesy of OpenClips / Pixabay

The word for today is “first.”

The word “first” is a time-mark. The Bible talks about first-fruits, first-born, and the desire to be the first. Ambitious, competitive and aggressive people, and those who hold themselves in high-esteem often seek first place. Some people are downright ruthless in getting “the firsts” they think they deserve. Perhaps people who crave firsts see it as a self-affirmation – a sign of their worth. If you crave firsts because you believe that is your identity, then when first place is jeopardized, you might think that your very life is threatened. Perhaps that is the reason that we see so much mean-spirited behavior in sports, academics, work, and other arenas where being first brings fame and wealth. This is a form of idolatry, because Christians should seek affirmation from God, not men. The rule of firsts in the Kingdom of God has a different dynamic. Jesus said:

“Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” (Mark 9:35 NIV)

Before He was crucified and ascended to glory, Jesus took the time to feed His disciples and wash their feet. He even washed the feet of Judas, whom He knew would betray Him.

In the eyes of God, you have to crawl before you stand tall, and the way to succeed starts when you’re on your knees. Are you positioned to be first?

Until we meet again: “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” (Ephesians 6:10)

– Your friend in Christ,

Verneda

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Until we meet again: “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might!” (Ephesians 6:10). – See more at: http://e-graphx.com/Blog/?p=7467#sthash.LfmUvSy8.dpuf

 

Until we meet again: “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might!” (Ephesians 6:10).

– Verneda

(Twitter handle: @vlights)

Continue the conversation on Facebook!

© 2013 Verneda Lights. All rights reserved.

– See more at: http://e-graphx.com/Blog/?p=7467#sthash.LfmUvSy8.dpuf

Until we meet again: “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might!” (Ephesians 6:10).

– Verneda

(Twitter handle: @vlights)

Continue the conversation on Facebook!

© 2013 Verneda Lights. All rights reserved.

– See more at: http://e-graphx.com/Blog/?p=7467#sthash.LfmUvSy8.dpuf

Until we meet again: “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might!” (Ephesians 6:10).

– Verneda

(Twitter handle: @vlights)

Continue the conversation on Facebook!

© 2013 Verneda Lights. All rights reserved.

– See more at: http://e-graphx.com/Blog/?p=7467#sthash.LfmUvSy8.dpuf

Until we meet again: “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might!” (Ephesians 6:10).

– Verneda

(Twitter handle: @vlights)

Continue the conversation on Facebook!

© 2013 Verneda Lights. All rights reserved.

– See more at: http://e-graphx.com/Blog/?p=7467#sthash.LfmUvSy8.dpuf

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