Once or twice, Jesus declared: “The first shall be last and the last shall be first.” Unfortunately, none among His listeners ever asked Him of the significance of the reversal of order—when accessing God’s Kingdom. One can only assume that Jesus was highlighting the position of humility, as compared with self-importance, in human behavior (Matthew 20:1-16).
However, what Jesus said could also be depicting the order of Creation. With common understanding, the term “First-born” itself, suggests pre-eminence in rank. But, an unanswered question remains—querying the implication on the statement projecting the first being last and the last being first?
What could all this signify? Indeed, there can be no reversal of natural order, when it comes to God’s orderly creation. The acquisition of understanding becomes extremely necessary, in order not to misrepresent God.
David was appointed the first-born, the most exalted of all kings of the Earth (Psalms 89:27). But David was the last-born of the sons of Jesse. Obviously, it is easy to conclude that God sees what is in the heart of men. David is projected as having been virtuous, compared with his brothers.
But, that being the case, why did God not cause David to be the first-born among His brothers, then? This leaves us with a supposition that the term “first-born” does not necessarily imply being physically born first. Markedly, the term “first-born” points at pre-eminence, as viewed in rank structures—even in Godly perspective.
This is just as Jesus is the first-born, over all creation (Colossians 1:16-17). This qualifies Jesus, as the first human ever to attain resurrection into eternal life. Though, the Esau and Jacob story goes further to confirm the existent puzzle.
Jacob became recognized as the first-born of Isaac’s two sons—although having come last at birth. Not that there had been any commendable thing attributed to Jacob, necessarily, when compared to his brother Esau. The soup incident that sold Esau’s birth-right does not tell it all.
Except when confirming the prophecy of the Children of Israel’s failure to take their rightful spot of being first in God’s Kingdom. They failed to take advantage of Jesus—revealed through their reticently preserved Scriptures. Such Scriptures confirmed the requirements in attaining the status of being identified with Jesus in God’s Kingdom. They failed the test of Abraham.
Humanly speaking, I do not see how those Jews, in Jerusalem, could have behaved better than what eventually transpired—without God’s involvement? Similarly, I do not imagine that Jacob could have done better—had he been in his Brother Esau’s shoes.
Further still, the story of David is quite interesting—making him a real hero on the things of God. But, nothing presumes that God was not involved, in the character and preservation of David. No-one of Adamic nature, could pass the test of righteousness, without God’s involvement.
Apparently, God’s pre-planned arrangements, where the first becomes last and the last becomes first, include creation. The story of creation is cited as: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). However, in verse 2, we are briefly presented with the same creation having become chaotic, rather than orderly, according to God’s character.
God is not the author of confusion—as to have created the earth in the stated chaotic condition. Yet the same God could also not have failed to prevent the chaotic condition that the earth had come to be. Obviously, there is more on the story of the demonic Satan, than meets the eye. But it is not possible for any person or anything, to strive to be either the first-born or the last-born.
Nonetheless, the account, as detailed in Genesis 1:3-25, reveals the process—projecting the restoration of order. Others assume the six-day story as narrating the process of creation—denoted in Genesis 1:1. That is not true. The process projects the restoration of order—starting with the separation of knowledge from ignorance—on the first day (Verse 3-4). See [When did Creation take place?].
The six-day story confirms the restoration of order—bringing the planet earth to its original design. The creation of Man is mentioned lastly. Having read of “creation” in Genesis 1:1, the same word becomes mentioned lastly, only in Genesis 1:26-27. This was on the sixth day of the week—being the last day on God’s working program—after everything had been restored.
This was followed by the eternal Sabbath of the Lord (Genesis 2:2-3). Of course, some Christians have adopted a doctrine out of this Seventh Day principle, as significantly implying the importance of rest. I do not think it is fair to criticize the Sabbath-keepers, in anyway, just as it is also unfair to criticize the Jews for maintaining the Sabbath-keeping.
Possibly, those Sabbath-keepers have not yet understood the significance of Jesus—having come into picture? The institution of the Sabbath rest had a prophetic reflection. Just as the Creation itself, carries a prophetic reflection.
The most important of all the formative developments is Jesus—conferred with the status of being the first-born over all creation. The appearance of Jesus, therefore, invalidates everything, including the Law and the Prophets (Luke 16:16). See [The Seventh-day Sabbath is a sign of God’s Kingdom].
Jesus is first-born, over all creation (Colossians 1:15). Similarly, though coming last—in the order of creation—the creation of humanity is above everything. The term “created in God’s image” is signified in Jesus—taking the position of humanity—who faltered, through Adam—at the Garden of Eden.
The first man, Adam, formed out of the dust of the ground—comes last—having been preceded into God’s Kingdom, by Jesus. But the dust of the ground is junior to that which was created in God’s image. Hence, the consideration that the first shall be last and the last shall be first:
“Thus it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being”; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit. But it is not the spiritual that is first but the natural, and then the spiritual. The first man was from the earth, a man of dust; the second man is from heaven. As was the man of dust, so also are those who are of the dust, and as is the man of heaven, so also are those who are of heaven. Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven” (1 Corinthians 15:45-49) (ESV).
Between the two—the flesh and the spirit—which one came first? Clearly, what was created in God’s likeness—whose image is Spiritual—being the created Man of the spirit—represents the first. Because God Himself is Spirit (John 4:24).
Humanly speaking, Adam came first and Jesus came second. But the formation of fleshly Adam—appears only after what was created in God’s image had long been in existence. Therefore, there is no violation of order—appearing as according supremacy to that which came last. The person created in God’s image—though appearing last—had been in existence prior to the entire creation.
Jesus, therefore, is naturally older and more superior to Adam. But Adam is junior, even, to those redeemed through the blood of Jesus. This is another reason why Jesus told His disciples not to call anyone on earth as their Father. Jesus was setting the record straight.
Those born of the Spirit are, by far, older than their earthly parents. Like Jesus, they represent God, who created everything. This is why Jesus expressed this reality—when describing John the Baptist as greatest of all the prophets:
“Verily I say unto you, among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he” (Matthew 11:11) (KJV).
John the Baptist became the youngest, and the last, but the greatest of all the prophets of old—according to Jesus. I suppose it should now be easier to understand why Jesus mentioned that John the Baptist was greater than all other prophets? But not when comparing John’s work with the considerably more complicated work of leading God’s people out of Egypt.
Moses’ considered more marvelous works—including authoring the first books of the Bible—does not count. Jesus said John the Baptist was greater. However, the least among those privileged to be in God’s Kingdom, are still greater than John the Baptist.
It is not the physical nature of those that get regarded as greater than John the Baptist. But their spiritual condition makes them greater—having become God’s Children through Jesus. As long as Jesus took the position of being the first-born—all God’s children get conferred with the status of seniority.
They also acquire the status of greatness—implying pre-eminence in rank—when compared with those of physical nature. Regardless of having physically existed through Adam’s lineage. The first shall be last and the last shall be first.
The earth was created ahead of the creation of humanity. But humanity takes first position, because humanity represents God’s image. Though having been created last, humanity is senior, because the one in whose image humanity was created is senior. This confirms what the apostle Paul pronounced:
“But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”—these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God” (1 Corinthians 2:9-11) (ESV).
Any human being is God’s child. There is no other created species—including angels—accorded the privilege of being created in God’s image—except humanity. This is the mystery of all ages—but unacceptable to humanity who find value in everything that is materialistic—instead of what is spiritual.
The restoration of humanity—back into the original condition of God’s image—brings another unimaginable transformative development. The redeemed humans will attain the eternal life. Those having rejected the offer of salvation will perish with Satan and his demons. Satan and his demons generally know of their inevitable demise and were fully aware of Jesus’ mission:
“And behold, they cried out, “What have you to do with us, O Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?” (Matthew 8:29) (ESV).
The error of all time has always been the inability to distinguish that which is permanent, from what is temporary. Everything physical will eventually perish—including the Law—as insinuated by Jesus:
“For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished” (Matthew 5:18) (ESV).
Here Jesus implies that there would come a time when the heaven and earth—as currently observed—would pass away. The apostle John also confirms this—through his vision of what comes to be—at the end of this materialistic universe.
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more” (Revelation 21:1) (ESV).
Everything known to exist in this universe would have come to an end. What remains are God’s Children. Interestingly, God’s children are not different from their Father. Just as Jesus insisted that anyone who had seen Him had seen His Father. The same will apply to those born of God. I suppose the absolute purpose of human existence will eventually be revealed—only at that time.
The creation of the earth and its materialistic features would have come to an end. But those having become God’s Children will exist for all eternity. Though created after the establishment of the materialistic universe, God’s children are greater, and therefore senior to everything. This brings us to the understanding of what the creation of humanity implies—regardless of currently held opinions.
Nothing else can be more important than that which God created in His own image. I invite those finding this hard to believe, to keep reading more of what is published through this website, until they see the light.
Another of the greatest miracles ever established, can easily be discovered—among the constant visitors to this website. This has got nothing to do with those having traditionally believed things to be. Understanding this is possible, only when thinking outside the currently traditional physical eyes.
Andrew Masuku is the author of Dimensions of a New Civilization, laying down standards for uplifting Zimbabwe from current state of economic depression into a model for other nations worldwide. A decaying tree provides an opportunity for a blossoming sprout. Written from a Christian perspective, the book is a product of inspiration, bringing reliefs to those having witnessed strings of unworkable solutions––leading to the current economic and social decay. In a simple conversational tone, most Zimbabweans should find the book as a long awaited providential oasis of hope.
The Print copy is now available at Amazon.com for $13.99
Also available as an e-copy at Lulu.com for $6.99
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