As the man we’ve come to know as the Rich Young Ruler walks away from Jesus, Peter makes an observation and asks a question. Matt. 19:27 Then Peter answered and said to Him, “See, we have left all and followed You. Therefore what shall we have?” Apparently Peter is aware of leaving a lot to follow Jesus, but not sure what to expect to receive as recompense for his choice. He is pondering what the payday is for leaving houses, land, and family to follow Jesus. I have wondered the same thing. Have you?
Leaving somewhere, something, or someone to follow the Lord is not a new thing. Abraham left his homeland and relatives to go to a foreign land at God’s direction; King David led a community of castoffs that lived in caves for a challenging season; Jeremiah gave up his normal and healthy desire to be married to live as God’s unmarried prophet and prophetic illustration of correction and judgment to Israel. Jesus disciples left businesses and homes to become His followers. Throughout the church age people have chosen careers that God directed them to and left careers God led them from. People have left their homes to do missions work, and put the Lord first in a host of life decisions, often giving up what was desired to make themselves more available for God’s purposes. Do they, or do we get paid by God, and if so how?
In the three Gospel accounts that relate this story, Jesus tells them they will receive a hundredfold in this life, and eternal life in the age to come. A hundred to one is a very good return on investment. Abraham was wealthy and also received the son, Isaac, he was promised, and he truly became the father of many nations. David also become very wealthy and received the extension of his legacy through Jesus Christ into eternity. Jeremiah’s words still impact us today, and after a difficult time in Israel’s history. The return of God’s people from Babylon seventy years later was a fulfillment of God’s promise to him. These are a few examples of a very large scale return on the investment in God’s Kingdom for a person of faith. Peter, a man paying the price, had just watched a man not be willing to the pay the price, and then asked for clarity regarding his own reward. I suggest the Lord is promising to “reward us” for putting Him first in our lives, although it will likely be different than we expect. Abraham waited far longer for Isaac to be born than he could have imagined. David couldn’t imagine the Messiah would come from his family line. Jeremiah gave a word that led to restoration of a nation in a very dark hour. This looks like hundredfold fruit years later, as well as great honor in eternity.
All called Christians don’t go to a foreign mission field, give up a good salary, or live single. All devoted followers of Christ are not poor, and dying young from hardship and persecution. The Christian is rewarded with fruitfulness, peace, and God’s presence within. In John 16:33 we are reminded that in a world of tribulation we have peace, full contentment and rest, in Jesus Christ. In 1Cor 15:58 Paul exhorts us that our labor in the Lord isn’t empty. In Gal 6:9 we are reminded that we will “reap in due season” what has been sown into God’s Kingdom.
The one constant for all believers is the Lord’s presence. Heb. 13:5 “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” What a promise! Personally, I am blessed in serving the Lord! My family and friends are a great treasure trove of blessing, comfort, and joy to me. The lives touched for God forever through Cheryl and myself is fruit that will last for eternity. Yet when I am weakest or most vulnerable, Jesus is the greatest prize of all! Let your heart become more attuned to God’s Kingdom by looking for Jesus in each aspect of your life. He is already there! As Rita Springer says “it’s gonna be worth it all”! I believe it!