As Jesus spoke of the contrast between earthly riches and eternal life, He said to His disciples, “But many who are first will be last, and the last, first” (Mark 10:31). Power and riches do not often reside with a faithful person. The one who is laying up treasures in heaven does not often accumulate great wealth on earth.
Jesus is a perfect example of this principle. During His life, Jesus suffered and died without many physical possessions, but consider what the Bible says about His reward:
“…God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:9-11)
“Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ – this Jesus whom you crucified.” (Acts 2:36)
Although Jesus was disrespected and cast aside during His earthly life, He has now been eternally exalted and given the name above every name. His faithful endurance is an example for every Christian. The goal of the Christian life is not the accumulation of earthly comforts. Instead, it is to use our temporal blessings to prepare ourselves and others for the life that comes after death.
As you prepare to meet God, do not be discouraged if your position on earth is not magnificent. Your earthly position does not determine your eternal reward. Humbly glorify God in everything you do, and He will exalt you when you meet Him on that day.