The last will be first, and the first last. (v. 16) These are the last words of our text for this morning. So, fittingly, we are going to consider them first. The last will be first, and the first last. Just exactly what does that mean? Many people have puzzled over its meaning. Bible commentators have written much trying to explain it. But what really does it mean?
As the apostle Paul neared the end of his letter to the Philippians, he wrote, And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7) Have you ever paused to consider Paul’s description of the peace of God? He says this peace “transcends all understanding.” He is saying that the peace of God is something that defies logic. It cannot be reduced to simple syllogisms. It cannot be explained by way of deductive or inductive reasoning.
Today we welcome Pastor Jerry Ewings who is leading our worship. Pastor Ewings and his wife Lori live in Johnson Creek. Pastor Ewings served at Lord of Love from 2006 – 2017.
If I begin by saying, “The world is burning,” how do you understand what I have just said? You may understand me very literally and assume that I am referring to what is happening in California and parts of Europe with those huge, uncontrolled wildfires that are burning. Or maybe you understood what I said as a metaphor.
