NO BIBLE NO BREAKFAST DAILY BIBLE REFLECTIONS AND MORE

LAST BUT NOT LEAST (1 CHRONICLES 2:1-17)

REFLECTION
“Last but not least” is the theme for our reflection our theme. The phrase “last but not least” means that something or someone is important despite being mentioned after everyone else. We shall reflect on the fact that our low level or last position is not a limitation nor is it a sign of retrogression, for God has a plan and purpose for those who put their trust and hope in Him.

We are told according to the historical fact in 1 Chronicles 2:12-13 that David was the seventh and last son of his father, Jesse who was the decendant of Judah. In the Jewish and I believe in most African societies the older son usually has more privileges and advantages over a younger son. If it were to be an inheritance, the older son would be considered first before the younger one. In David’s case, he was even forgotten when Samuel came to anoint one of the sons of Jesse to become the King of Israel. It was after each of the elder brothers had been rejected before Jesse remembered his last son David. ” Then Jesse called Abinadab and had him pass in front of Samuel. But Samuel said, “The LORD has not chosen this one either.” 9 Jesse then had Shammah pass by, but Samuel said, “Nor has the LORD chosen this one.” 10 Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, “The LORD has not chosen these.” 11 So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered. “He is tending the sheep.” Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.” 12 So he sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him; this is the one.” 13 So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon David.” “1 Samuel 16:8-13” Dear friend, you may be the last but certainly not the least!

You may have been forgotten by those who are supposed to promote you or elevate you but worry not because the God who made David last but not least is still moving in our midst. It is for this reason that Jesus assured us, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26). Beloved in the Lord, it does not matter your current subservient or low-level situation in life, we are greatly assured by Paul’s letter to the Church in Rome when he wrote, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28) Regardless of your challenges and disadvantageous position or situation, God remains faithful to us if we put our hope and trust in Him as the lifter of man or woman for greater exploits. No wonder David testified about the goodness and providence of God when he wrote, “Even though I walk
through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” (Psalms 23:4-6). Joseph’s example is also another indication that when we walk with God, trust and obey him, we may be the last but not least in our various endeavours. Regardless of Joseph’s brothers’ attempt to render him the last and the least, God used their evil plans to elevate Joseph. Joseph said to them “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. 21 So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children. ” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them. ” (Genesis 50:20-21). Dear friend in Christ, being the last does not mean you can never succeed in life.

Family and friends may despise you because you are unemployed. Some people may no longer associate themselves with you because they consider you a failure. I am here to assure you that God’s timing is perfect. The Psalmist reassures us that “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; 23 the LORD has done this, and it is marvellous in our eyes. 24 The LORD has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad. (Psalms 118:22-24) You may fail today, this week and indeed this year but that is not the end of life. You may have failed in your marriage, academics, business or some other equally important endeavour but despair and suicide is never the solution for a man or woman of faith. The writer of Hebrews admonished us, “Without faith, it is impossible to please God because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6) Let’s consider our lowest moment as a time of preparation, re-strategising, and recovery, for we are greatly assured in the book of Isaiah that “but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)

In summary, we have discovered that although we may be the last or find ourselves in our lowest moment, hopeless position, or situation in life, it does not mean that we are the least. Our low level or precarious position in life is not a limitation nor is it a sign of retrogression, for God has a plan or purpose for those who put their trust and hope in Him.

PRAYER
Holy Spirit, strengthen us in our most lonely, difficult and frustrating moment. May we be lifted to the glory of God regardless of any attempt to render us last and least. Amen.