Hi
@friend of
What is rank in heaven? What does it mean to be great in the Kingdom of Heaven?
There definitely seems to be ranks in New Jerusalem.
You mentioned the Parable in which each worker gets their just reward, but not an equal one. Also we read that the Messiah says…
“Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 5:19
This indicates that their will be a scale of great to least in the Kingdom.
As you alluded to, their won’t be snide people within this hierarchy (if we should even call it that). After all, who will be admitted into New Jerusalem unless their heart is right before the Lord? Also, those who serve are seen as the greater. Therefore, how could a hierarchy exist, like it does today on Earth, if at the top are true ministers and servants of the people?
When New Jerusalem finally descends to the Earth with the return of the Messiah, the saints will rule and reign with Him for 1000 years. Not only over the angels and animals (who will probably be enabled to speak again) but over all the countries of the Earth and those who remain in them in those days.
The Scripture seems to imply in the prophecies that we will not only dwell in New Jerusalem but will also sent out into the Earth to lead for Him, and lead people to Him. The nations then bring in their wealth and worship into New Jerusalem to glorify Him and the King. But surprisingly there will be those who refuse to this, even at that stage. So, in essence, just like how the Gospel spread from Jerusalem in the first century, this is a like a foreshadow of a greater event and Gospel to come. No longer “Repent! The Kingdom is at hand” but “The Kingdom of Yahweh is here!”
As for the countenance, appearance and power of the saints in those days – that’s another subject! But it could potentially be linked to the “rank” you are blessed with. Or everyone may have the same countenance and their rewards may be all that differs.
I hope that helps.
Love & Shalom