Tag: Matthew 19:27-30
What’s in it for me?
Scripture reading for January 27: Matthew 19
“Then Peter said in reply, “See, we have left everything and followed You. What then will we have?” Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on His glorious throne, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for My Name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” Matthew 19:27-30
The rich young ruler had just left with sadness when Jesus had advised him to sell all he had and follow Him. The disciples had listened and observed his sad departure. They began to examine their own sacrifice to follow Jesus. Was it going to be worth it? What would they really have when all was said and done?
As we go through life as believers and followers of Jesus, we all have a tendency to ask the same question as Jesus’ disciples: “See, we have left everything and followed You. What then will we have?” The world mocks our decision. Many in our world seem to be enjoying riches, fame, and pleasure who have not given up anything to follow Jesus. But looks can be deceptive. Jesus promised an amazing reward for those who by faith would leave behind the riches of this world and even have broken family ties because of allegiance to Him. There would be a great reversal. Those now considered ‘first’ would then be ‘last’, and those now considered ‘last’ or ‘losers’ would be first!
What impact on your world view does this simple teaching of Jesus have on how you are viewing life in our culture? What is the focus of your life at present? Who, in your view, is now considered ‘first’ in our land? Is there anything that you need to change in your own life and priorities?
Prayer: Father God, I am thankful that You have revealed to me that the pursuit of riches is not the way to life eternal. As I grow older and approach life on earth’s end, use me to share Your promises of eternal life and eternal rewards with those who are caught up in trying to be ‘first’. You, Alone, are my reward! Amen.
Reward in the new world!
Scripture reading for August 11th: Hosea 11-13, Matthew 19
Key Scriptures: Matthew 19:27-30 “Then Peter said in reply, “See, we have left everything and followed You. What then will we have? Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on His glorious throne, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for My Name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”
The rich young man who had come to Jesus inquiring about eternal life, left dejectedly after he heard Jesus’ answer. Jesus told His disciples how hard it was for rich people to enter the kingdom of heaven, and they asked Him about their own sacrifice to follow Him. Jesus promised them a throne of judgment in the new world and eternal life. Those in this life who are prominent because of wealth will be last, and those who renounce riches in this life and follow Jesus will be blessed with eternal reward.
Faith confession and prayer: Lord, I have chosen to follow You and leave this world and its riches for a greater riches in knowing You. Help me to keep walking with You, waiting on You, and calling on You. I want to hold fast to Your love and justice and never turn back.
Hosea 12:6 “So you, by the help of your God, return, hold fast to love and justice, and wait continually for your God.”