Daily Devotional - Giving An Account - WK10 - 3/2/25 - Day 61 - "The First Shall Be Last"

Author: Sis. Joy Greer

“The First Shall Be Last”
Scripture: Matthew 19:27-30

“Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore? And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.”

Devotion:
At one point in time in our lives, we have all asked the question: “Is it worth it to follow Jesus?” or “What do I get in return?” Peter and the disciples had to have that thought in their minds plenty of times about if their sacrifices were for nought. And, of course, Peter asked Him. Jesus’ response is both comforting and challenging. He reminds them that there is a great reward awaiting those who follow Him, but it’s not always in the way we expect. First, Jesus promises that they will sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. But more than that, Jesus makes it clear that those who have given up things for His sake—whether it’s relationships, possessions, or comforts—will receive "a hundred times as much" in this life and the assurance of eternal life.

In the Kingdom of God, sacrifice does not go unnoticed. The cost of following Jesus, though real and sometimes difficult, is far outweighed by the eternal reward. However, Jesus also gives a twist to the world’s understanding of reward: “But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.” This reminds us that God’s economy works differently than the world’s. The humble, the sacrificial, and those who seek His will above their own are honored in ways that cannot be measured by earthly terms.

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the promise of eternal rewards for following You. Help me to live with a heart of sacrifice, knowing that You honor even the smallest acts of obedience. Strengthen me when the cost of following You feels high, and remind me that the reward is far greater than anything this world can offer. I trust in Your provision and Your eternal promise of life with You. Amen.