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The Last – Day 8

Matthew 20:16

So the last will be first, and the first will be last.

The Thought

This is a verse in an interesting story told by Jesus, who was trying to explain the Kingdom of Heaven in simple language. His listeners were not impressed with the story, it did not fit with earthly principles at that time, nor does it fit today! It is not logic!

Jesus was taking His time explaining the concept of the first and the last changing places. The closing verse of the previous chapter is a much quoted one, and very similar to the verse today. But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first (Matthew 19:30).

It looks like there will be some surprises in Heaven! Some recompenses too!

We have all read many times that, at the crucifixion, the last person to become a believer in Jesus was the man on the cross at the side of the Saviour. That same person would be the first believer in Heaven after Jesus’ death (Luke 23:43)!

Interestingly, many of us think that that man was a thief, but the gospels only speak of him as a criminal!

Action

Think today about people you are looking forward to meeting when you get to Heaven, family and friends who have gone before you, famous people you have always wanted to meet. Are you sure those people will be there?

Read Luke 23 today and think about the man on the cross being the first believer in Heaven.

Pray for the people around you who are not yet believers, that they would think about life after death, and be convinced that it is real, and that knowing Jesus here on earth is the only guaranteed passport to get there.

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