A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW 

IN OR OUT      

Matthew 19:30 “But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.” 

I knew a man who was a politician. He rose in the political ranks becoming a member of the Senate of his state. He served on important boards and committees locally, regionally, statewide, and even nationally. He was also a baptized member of a Christian congregation. He rarely attended his church and usually only when it was the time of elections. On those occasions he greeted his fellow members with a smile, back slap, and a vigorous handshake. Once the election was completed the members of his church didn’t see him among them at church again until the next election cycle.   

What exactly did Jesus mean when He said, “the first will be last, and . . . the last will be first?” What does His words have to do with the politician or for that matter with you? Jesus was addressing Peter’s question as to whether the disciples would have a prominent place in heaven. He was addressing an even more important question, who will be in heaven.  

Remember Judas? Judas was a disciple. For over three years he followed Jesus, joining with the other eleven in doing as Jesus instructed. Being a disciple, however, did not insulate Judas from his sinful nature. It was, in the end, his sinful nature that won out. His love for money trumped his love for Jesus. All it took was thirty pieces of silver, $250 to $300 in today’s money. Judas was “IN” and then he was “OUT.” He was in fellowship with Jesus and his fellow disciples and then he left that fellowship to follow the desires of his sinful nature.   

There are those who believe “once saved, always saved.” The fact is, Jesus says, as recorded in Revelation 2:10 “ . . . be faithful even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.”   

Prayer: Holy Spirit, work through God’s Word and the Sacraments to keep me in the true faith to life everlasting for Jesus’ sake. Amen. 

The will of God is always best And shall be done forever;  
And they who trust in Him are blest; He will forsake them never.  
He helps indeed In time of need; He chastens with forbearing.   
They who depend On God their friend, Shall not be left despairing. 

God is my comfort and my trust, My hope and life abiding;  
And to His counsel, wise and just I yield, in Him confiding.  
The very hairs, His Word declares, Upon my head He numbers.  
By night and day God is my stay; He never sleeps nor slumbers. 

Lord, this I ask, O hear my plea. Deny me not this favor:
When Satan sorely troubles me Then do not let me waver.
 O guard me well,  My fear dispel, Fulfill Your faithful saying:    
All who believe By grace receive And answer to their praying. 

When life’s brief course on earth is run And I this world am leaving,  
Grant me to say, “Your will be done.” Your faithful Word believing.  
My dearest friend. I now commend My soul into Your keeping;  
From sin and hell, And death as well, By You the vict’ry reaping.  

The Will of God Is Always Best // LSB 758