The LORD will save the dwellings of Judah first, so that the honor of the house of David and of Jerusalem’s inhabitants may not be greater than that of Judah. Zechariah 12:7
When the nation of Israel split up, it was split into two nations of Judah and Israel. Because of their sins, both nations were destroyed and put into captivity. After a time of being enslaved, they were released and God allowed the nation of Israel to be restored as one nation.
It was prophesied that there would come a day when God destroys all the nations that harmed Israel. During that time of destruction, God would save all the dwellings of Judah first, then those of Israel. This was done so that neither would think they were higher and greater than the other.
In this fallen world, people rank each other. Depending upon what they are looking at will determine how a person is ranked. One of the most common is by wealth, but it can be by appearance, talent, nationality, influence, or one of many other things. Some people are ranked very high on the list, while others are ranked very low.
In God’s kingdom, He does not rank the same way. The people of Israel thought that they were better than those of Judah, because they were direct descendants of King David. They thought they were the best. God gave special honor to Judah to show that they were the same.
Many in the church try to rank people in various ways. They look at how much a person does or does not give in the offering, or the type of ministry the person does, or how they dress for church. Others will look at how a person came to salvation and how much sin he has given up.
In the end, God does not look that way at people. He is looking at their heart–are they serving and following Jesus or not.
Once you begin following Jesus, you are equal with every other believer who follows Him. When you get into heaven, it will no longer matter who did what or how they did it, all will be equal.
Do not strive to be the greatest, or to look down on others who are not like you. Seek to bring all to Jesus as equal children of God. God loves you and everyone else just the same.
I pray today that God will reveal His love to you; that God will help you remove all self-pride in your life; that you will honor all who serve God; and that you will know that in God’s eyes all are equal.
There is much truth in these words Tom. Even in sad ones regarding how even in church we sometimes rank people. So sad, because God loves us all the same and we are all equal in his eyes. May he indeed help us remember this!
Yes it is sad. God will help us remember it, if we honestly keep our eyes and lives focused on Him first, instead of ourselves. Thanks for reading and the comment.
Amen!!