Words from the Rock
Yes, you have followed me. In the re-creation of the world, when the Son of Man will rule gloriously, you who have followed me will also rule. . . . And not only you, but anyone who sacrifices home, family, fields—whatever—because of me will get it all back a hundred times over, not to mention the considerable bonus of eternal life. This is the Great Reversal: many of the first ending up last, and the last first.
Matthew 19:28–30 Message
Jesus’s disciples have pretty much given up everything to follow Jesus. They’ve left families, jobs, and homes just to be with Jesus, to learn from him, and to help with his ministry. At this stage, they might be wondering if it’s really going to be worth what they’ve sacrificed. In fact, they have just asked Jesus that very thing—what will they get out of this?
This promise is Jesus’s answer for his disciples. But it’s also for all believers who will come later, who will love God enough to put him in that first-place position in their hearts—in essence, giving up everything to follow and serve him.
Jesus promises that whatever you give up for him will be returned to you a hundred times over—and that isn’t even counting the promise of eternal life, which is returned about a million times over. In other words, he’s saying you’ll never be sorry that you chose to follow him. Sure, there will be times when life’s hard or challenging, but holding fast to God will always be worth the effort. He promises to make it worth everything you give up and a lot more—not necessarily in your earthly life, although having God’s presence in your daily life is better than anything. But Jesus promises that eternal life will be so incredible your earthly mind can’t even begin to comprehend it.
My Prayer
Dear God,
Thank you for all that you have for me. Remind me that what I give up for you now is not only in my best interest, but it will be repaid again and again throughout eternity.
Amen.
Final Word
If you give to others, you will be given a full amount in return. It will be packed down, shaken together, and spilling over into your lap. The way you treat others is the way you will be treated.
Luke 6:38 CEV
Stone for the Journey
I cannot outgive God.