[29] “So Jesus answered and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel’s, [30] who shall 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.” – Mark 10:29-30 (NKJV)
On March 1, 2022, I published a devotional on making a wise spiritual investment as a believer. It was all about losing your life for Jesus’ sake, so you’ll find fulfilment in living. Today, I would like to expand on what it means to lose your life for Jesus, as He said in Matthew 16:25.
One time, Jesus’ disciples, particularly Peter, asked a question. I want to quote exactly what Peter said. Here’s how it goes.
“See, we have left all and followed You. Therefore what shall we have?”
Matthew 19:27 (NKJV)
He wanted to know why their followership of Jesus had cost them their businesses, families, former jobs, and even properties. Then Jesus replied and said,
“Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel’s, who shall 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.”
See that! Following Jesus will cost you some precious things and relationships in your life. But why? Because when Jesus saves you, He owns the eternal life you have. So He demands you to live unto Him as a living sacrifice (see Romans 12:1). As you journey on in faith, He may separate you from your family, and this usually occurs when He sees that your biological family can be potential distractions to your faith journey or divine calling.
In the midst of that, there’s always joy at the end of the tunnel. That is a promise by Jesus Himself. He said you shall receive an hundredfold of everything you lost to keep following Him here on this Earth and in heaven, but with persecutions. And such persecutions will come mainly from the world. Now, that is what I call a heavy sacrifice a child of God must make to reap eternal benefits in the kingdom of God.
See, everybody has dreams. But let me tell you that your dream may be nothing compared to what God has purposed for you to accomplish. Stick to following God’s ways. There’s joy in following Jesus. So don’t give up!
You’re a blessing.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for Your love and affection. God, guide me and lead according to Your Word. Grant me the tenacity to follow Your ways ardently. In Jesus’ name. Amen!
Devotional Code: KGD – 2024 – 250
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