“And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God. And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last.” (Luke 13:29-30 KJV).
These passages highlight the universality of God’s plan for His kingdom to be open for people from all over the world to enter, not just a select few. This brings a stunning truth and reality to those who assume they are guaranteed entry on account of pedigree or religious upbringing. It contrasts worldly ‘importance’ with divine value, where the last will be first, and the first will be last, stressing that salvation is about belonging to God in Christ Jesus, not by religious affiliation.
Time and time again, our Lord Jesus warned the pretentious and hypocrite religious people of their eternal destruction (Luke 6:41-42). Those people make a big show of their religious dedication and zeal. They display pious acts in public when they are not. They look down on others (especially those who do not belong to their religious group and persuasion) out of their own self-righteousness while refusing to live with the love and the character of God, in grace by faith.
Seen through the lens of God's unconditional love and grace, the call to enter the Kingdom of God extends beyond every demarcation lines of the world. From the four corners of the earth people come and “will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God” (Luke 13:29b NIV). And indeed, at this table of grace there are ‘last who will be first, and first who will be last.’ This is pointing to those who relied on their own righteousness through works, or legalistic obedience (the "first") may find to be last. And, conversely, those who recognize their unworthiness and depend solely on God's grace (“last") are the ones who are welcomed first. This, the Lord Jesus illustrated in His parable of “The Workers in the Vineyard” (Mathew 20:1-16).
This, therefore, reminds that salvation is entirely a gift of grace, not merit for works of self-effort. Scriptures declare this truth: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV).
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC.
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
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