First become last and Last become first.

This is one of the most revolutionary and counter-intuitive principles of the Kingdom of God, repeated by Jesus throughout the Gospels. It turns the world's value system utterly upside down.

Here is a poem on this profound paradox.

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The Great Reversal

The world proclaims its certain creed: "To satisfy your every need. Climb to the top,secure your place, Win the relentless,human race."

But from a throne of grace and truth, You spoke a word to shame our youth, To humble pride and dismantle thirst: "The first will be last, and the last will be first." (Matthew 19:30)

This is the economy of Heaven's realm, Where You take the helm,and overwhelm The calculations of the wise, Beneath Your own mysterious skies.

The one who strives to save his name, Will lose the prize he thought to claim. The one who serves unseen,unknown, Will find a seat near Heaven's throne.

For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. (Matthew 23:12)

So let me take the lowest place, And trust completely in Your grace. Not jostling for a higher chair, But free from that consuming care.

Let me be last in line for praise, And walk in quiet,servant ways. To wash the feet,to bear the cost, To love the one that others lost.

For in Your Kingdom, strange and true, The way to lead is to pursue The cross-shaped path,to lose and die— Then find true life,supplied on high.

The first in might will be surpassed By those who simply held on last. The greatest King became the Least— This is the wonder,this the feast.

So I step down, to be raised up. I drink the lowly,offered cup. I choose the back,to be brought near— For in Your reversal,God is here.