Monthly Article
God Rewards His Followers
Most of us are familiar with the story of the Rich Young Man (Matthew 19) whom Jesus told to give all his possessions away to the poor. Because he loved his money, the Rich Young Man could not obey Jesus’ command, so he left in sadness with his wealth. After hearing this story, Peter, speaking for himself and the other disciples, said, “We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?” (Matthew 19:27).
In response to Peter, Jesus directed the attention of Peter and the other disciples away from any expectations that they would be receiving material blessings. Jesus wanted them to focus on the joy that was in store when God’s kingdom would reign supreme. Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on His glorious throne, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Matthew 19:28).
Jesus directed the disciples’ attention to the glorious fulfillment of the divine purpose in which they were privileged to share. In the same way, we are part of God’s divine plan and are privileged to share in the joy of being part of God’s master plan. This plan can be illustrated by the replies of three men engaged in a building project to the question of what they were doing. One said, “I am laying bricks.” Another said, “I am making one hundred dollars a day.” But the third replied, “I am building a church.”
After providing insight into the ultimate goal, a vision of the new kingdom, Jesus goes on to associate the satisfactions of the eternal kingdom to present existence: “And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for My sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life” (verse 29). Not only will we receive life eternal with Jesus, we will experience the joy of being part of God’s kingdom now on earth. We will not escape the hardships of a hostile world, but we will be equipped and strengthened to face them. Out of sheer love for us, God offers us the blessings that come from being part of His kingdom.
Ke Aloha I Ke Akua,
In God’s Love,
Pastor Todd
