The first will be last and the last will be first.

30May
Peter began to say to him, ‘Look, we have left everything and followed you.’ Jesus said, Truly, I tell you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for my sake and for the sake of the good news, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this age houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, and children, and fields with persecutions and in the age to come eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.’
- Mark 10:28-31

In Mark, we have the story of a young person of wealth and power who could not follow Jesus. The cost of following him seemed too great and he walked away. The disciples witness this and remind Jesus that they left everything, family, home and friends to follow him. Jesus reassures them that all who suffer loss in following Him will be rewarded far more than they lost, both now and in the future, including the hope of eternal life. 

The concept of the first will be last and the last will be first is contained in all four Gospels. This inclusive, expansive statement about the Kingdom of God was also directed at the temple leadership who considered themselves first in line to heaven. Jesus may be saying if you reject Him or lack belief in Him, you will be lost no matter your position or status in this life. If we always put ourselves first, we will end up last.

Step three of the program of Alcoholics Anonymous gives this guidance when it suggests: “Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.” When we take such action, my experience is that we become more God centered rather than self-centered; more focused on service rather than on self; and we begin to realize that God is doing for us where we could not do for ourselves. When going through painful experiences, we have the opportunity to recognize our powerlessness and helplessness and the need for God's guidance and intervention. When more God conscious, open and teachable, we are more able to let make room for God’s healing and forgiving love. What do I need to let go of today to make more room for God?

Musical Reflection - In Christ Alone - Adrienne Liesching

Loving Creator, through the actions and words of Jesus Christ, you have shown us how to respect the dignity of every human being. Help us focus on what is truly important and eternal and not what is temporary and fading. Amen. 
12 StepsGospel
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#reward #loss #service #alcoholicsanonymous

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