Mark 10:28-30(ESV)
Peter began to say to him, “See, we have left everything and followed you.” Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life.
After Jesus had said to His disciples that with God, everything is possible, Peter said they have left everything and followed Him. Jesus understood the request of Peter and assured His disciples that their sacrifice would be rewarded with a hundredfold here on earth and they would enjoy eternal life in Heaven. In other words, Jesus was saying they cannot out-give God. That is, God will bless them far more than anything they could ever give up for Him. Jesus is saying the same to us today, that if we will leave all and follow Him, there are blessings that will come our way even in this life. Job 41:11 says, “Who has first given to me, that I should repay him? Whatever is under the whole heaven is mine.” Paul also quoted this Scripture when he said in Romans 11:35-36, “Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?” For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.” So, our God is not a debtor.
There is one thing that many miss when they quote our anchored Scripture. Jesus forewarns that God’s abundant blessings do not mean that His followers will have easy lives on this side of eternity — there will be persecutions. Christ admitted that our walk with Him would expose us to persecution. In other words, there will be persecutions when we follow Jesus. He never hid the fact of persecution from His followers. In Matthew 5:10-12, Jesus said, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.” The idea of persecution or suffering evokes a sense of unease or fear in the hearts of men. As believers, we will face persecution for our faith by the devil. The paths may not always appear easy. They consist of persecution, trials, and tribulations that build strength and character. 2 Timothy 3:12 says, “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” Paul said all who live godly lives are going to suffer persecution. The devil is going to make sure of it! However, the Scriptures make us understand that we should count it all joy when we fall into diverse temptations. When the road is hard, God is there to carry us, and this is our consolation: the confrontation brings our promotion. And that trial is a set-up for our triumph. As believers, we will be able to stand to the end through preserving grace. The same marvelous grace revealed on the Cross of God’s only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, and that was bestowed upon us by the Holy Spirit, is the Power that will keep, strengthen, sanctify, enlighten, and cause us to discern spiritual things. We are to stand and gain victory in this battle of faith.
Beloved, whatever you give to God, He will repay it with interest. For the act of 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 compensate abundantly for all that you have left in your life for the Gospel. As you begin to 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 and 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. 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 in the midst of persecution in Jesus’ Name.