Matthew 19:27,29 (KJV)
Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore? And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.
After Jesus proclaimed to His disciples that everything is indeed possible with God, Peter boldly stated that they had left everything to follow Him. Jesus, fully understanding Peter’s request, confidently assured His disciples that their sacrifices of worldly possessions and relationships for His sake would be rewarded a hundredfold here on earth, along with the promise of eternal life in Heaven. In essence, Jesus affirmed that they could never out-give God; He will bless them abundantly, far beyond anything they could relinquish for His sake. Jesus conveys this same powerful message today: if we commit to leaving everything behind to follow Him, we will undoubtedly receive immense blessings in this life. Job 41:11 says, “Who hath prevented me, that I should repay him? whatsoever is under the whole heaven is mine.” Everything belongs to God, and He is not indebted to anyone. Paul also quoted this Scripture in Romans 11:35-36, ” Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.” In our busy lives, it’s easy to overlook the source of all our blessings and achievements, but nothing we have comes from ourselves, it’s all a gift from God.
In our journey of faith, we may face moments where we need to make difficult choices and sacrifices. However, God’s rewards are often beyond our immediate understanding and are both spiritual and eternal. When we give up significant aspects of our lives for His sake, we will receive abundant blessings in return, both in this life and the next. This speaks to the idea of divine reward and the eternal value of following Christ wholeheartedly. Our sacrifices will not go unrewarded. In fact, the rewards Jesus promises are far greater than what is given up. Following Christ often means stepping into the unknown and trusting His plan, even when it’s difficult. 2 Timothy 3:12 says, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” Paul reminds us that living a godly life often leads to persecution, as the devil seeks to hinder us. However, Scripture encourages us to count it all joy during trials, as they lead to growth and triumph. God’s grace, revealed through Jesus Christ and given by the Holy Spirit, empowers us to endure and stand firm in our faith. We can trust that this grace will strengthen and help us discern spiritual matters, allowing us to gain victory in our battle of faith.
Beloved, whatever you give to God, He will repay it with interest. For lending her firstborn to the Lord, Hannah, who was barren, was “repaid” with interest – five more children! She went from being seen as a cursed woman to one blessed with unspeakable advantage! God is not a debtor to any man. He will abundantly compensate for all you have left in your life for the Gospel. As you surrender totally to God from today, you will always have more than you bargain for in Jesus’ Name. Be ready to pay the price of a true disciple and live holy because persecution will come your way. The persecution may overstretch your patience and be fierce, but he that endures shall be saved. When the persecution comes your way, rejoice and be glad. Take the cure from Jesus and begin to leap, jump, and praise God! Child of God, you have the greatest calling in Christ Jesus, so make yourself available for good and honorable service. If you must suffer persecution for anything, let it be for upholding the cross of Jesus Christ. Live with an eternal perspective, focusing on God and His Kingdom. Remember, the Lord will not only use you, but He will reward you handsomely.
O Lord, fulfill this promise in my life as I leave all for the Gospel. Help me to stand tall even amid persecution in Jesus’ Name.