Have you ever found yourself floating in a sea of uncertainty, feeling lost and alone? Have you ever tried questioning your value, even your very existence? If so, you’re definitely not by yourself. But there always seemed to be an ember of hope shining through the shadowed path. The bread of life. Finding their way back is through it. It is the guiding light to lead the last, the least, and the lost.
The Last
“So the last shall be first, and the first last…”– Matthew 20:16 NKJV
According to the scriptures, the first refers to privileged, prestigious, and prideful people who get ahead in life while defying God’s commandments. In the next world, nevertheless, they will be condemned. However, even though they are viewed as the rejected and the farthest away, the last will be greatly rewarded in heaven.
Redefining the Finish Line
In the present times, the last could also refer to a person deprived of liberty (PDL). The people behind bars usually feel like they are being left behind in life, like they are the last in line.
In a positive light, hope is still present as they are given the time to reflect, change, and become better agents of society. Their time inside could help them restore their faith in God. They have many opportunities to reconcile and rebuild their relationship with God in that limited space.
In finding their way back to God, the Bible can help carry on this redemption journey. The Bible contains the bread of life, which can help them sustain their spiritual self. This can surely help them gain the mental and spiritual fortitude they need. Other than that, they might ignite their spirit and achieve one year of daily devotions and praises. It contains lessons and ways to further strengthen your spirituality. The spirit to continue your life while deprived of liberty significantly redefines what it means to live truly.
With that, they can redefine their finish line.
Prison is not the end of your journey. It’s not their finish line. As they transform themselves, their story can change. Their life does not conclude within the prison walls. Despite feeling like they’re the last while inside, once they’re outside and nourished by the bread of life, they can rise to the top and let the world be the first witness of their positive change, inspiring others with their journey of hope and transformation.
The Least
And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, in as much as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’
– Matthew 25:40 NKJV
The least, based on the scriptures, are people in need manifested in various situations, like the hungry, thirsty, impoverished, sick, and imprisoned. On the other hand, the brethren refer to fellow Christians or brothers from the same group. Nonetheless, the verse implies that whatever you do to others, especially those who are vulnerable, you do it to the Lord. This signifies the direct connections you have with God. Remember, you are created through the likeness of his image. Hence, being selective in who you give your kindness to means denying God your goodness.
Value of Vulnerability
The word vulnerable is synonymous with people being economically disadvantaged, elderly, individuals facing health challenges, and those who are underestimated. While in this state, their faith and connection to God are vulnerable. Finding their way back might be hard but never impossible with the help of the bread of life.
The economically disadvantaged feel left out by society because of the lack of resources. As they are being challenged financially, they struggle to survive in everyday life. Money isn’t everything, but it is necessary to survive. With that, fitting in the trends of society is not in the picture. Instead, they find every decent means to get through the day. They might ask,” If God provides, where is he now?”.
On the other hand, the elderly and individuals facing health challenges may face similar challenges. They are part of the least because their conditions limit them. Older people might resent and regret the life they lived. Without the energy, the elderly might ask God, “Is there still hope for me at this age? Meanwhile, a sick person might question their faith. With a vulnerable health condition, the sick person might ask, “Is there any meaning to my suffering, Lord?”.
These are not just challenges but spiritual challenges that shake not just their physical self but also their faith in God. There are many ways to alleviate this suffering and obstacles in life. But in answering those spiritual questions, the bread of life may feed those questions and provide answers that suffice their soul.
The value of vulnerability is that it teaches people their strength in unlikely circumstances. They may question, and they may ask. But after all, they’re asking God where their strength dwells. They believe in him, in his existence, regardless. They’re asking because they know the answers lie within him.
The Lost
“So the last shall be first, and the first last…”
– Matthew 20:16 NKJV
This verse is part of the gospel between Jesus and Zacchaeus, the tax collector. No matter how sinful Zacchaeus is, Jesus stayed in the house and announced salvation to come into the house where he was. This happened because Zacchaeus repented of his sins in front of God.
Repentance is an act of regret or remorse for a mistake or wrongdoings. And by doing so, we receive salvation from God. But how does it work? Do we make mistakes again and again and repent for them? Is that how the cycle should be?
Listening to Inner Compass
No, that’s not how it works. You ask our Savior for forgiveness genuinely. Repeating and not learning from the same mistake is another big mistake. If you’re doing that, you fail to listen to the power of your inner compass.
Your inner compass is your heart.
Your heart is your inner compass that will direct you to the right path. When you’re lost, and things are beyond your sense of discernment, listen to the whispers of your heart. This is your true north. But it requires submission on where it will lead you and where it will take you. You need to worry because in your heart is where God resides. With him, you are never lost.
Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
– Romans 5:5
You Can Light Hope
Binding Broken Hearts, a non-profit organization registered in Wyoming, offers free Bibles, Bible studies, and personalized letters to inmates in local, state, and federal correctional facilities. There is power in God’s word. Click here to create a change, and together, let’s make a difference!
