SCRIPTURE: Mark 10:24-31 What do you sense the Lord saying to you? PRAYER
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It is only by God’s grace that we can enter the kingdom of heaven. Jesus first tells those around him that it is virtually impossible to get there, but remain hopeful, because with God, all things are possible. We then hear some reassuring words. The disciples mentioned that they had left everything to follow Jesus. Jesus replies that God’s blessing for doing this will happen, not only a reward in heaven, but also a huge reward on this earth.
So do we follow Jesus for the huge reward at this end? Is Jesus preaching the gospel of prosperity? I think that we should look at what is happening, both in the early church, and today. What lifestyle did Jesus and his disciples live? Did they live in opulent homes living off of the goodness of others? It appears not. So what was this hundred fold reward? Perhaps it is the family of believers that come alongside you. Is God asking you to turn your back on your family so that you can have friends in other places? I am sure that God is asking you to follow him, to put aside anything that would hinder this, and try to listen to his leading. Family and friends can be encouraging in this regard, or can be a detrimental influence.
I pray that as I seek to follow Jesus, that I will thank Him for his grace and mercy. I pray that I can be thankful for my loving family, and friends that are in my life.
Observations/Application
Once again the world is turned upside down. All what matters to mankind does not matter to God. All the material things we gain in this life is of no consequence – ‘it all goes back into the box’ as Ortberg put it. All is for Christ. The task at hand is to do His work without thought of gain or cost. As the disciples left all to follow Christ we too need to follow Him and proclaim the Good News wherever we are placed without thought of returns or comments of friends or relatives when He calls us. Just do it. Not for material gain but for proclaiming the gospel and following Christ. All what we have is to be used in His service. Listen to Him and His voice saying – ‘This is the way – follow Me.’
Prayer
Help me this day Lord to do just that – follow You and do what needs to be done.
Jesus calls us over the tumult
Of our life’s wild, restless, sea;
Day by day His sweet voice soundeth,
Saying, “Christian, follow Me!”
As of old Saint Andrew heard it
By the Galilean lake,
Turned from home and toil and kindred,
Leaving all for Jesus’ sake.
Jesus calls us from the worship
Of the vain world’s golden store,
From each idol that would keep us,
Saying, “Christian, love Me more!”
In our joys and in our sorrows,
Days of toil and hours of ease,
Still He calls, in cares and pleasures,
“Christian, love Me more than these!”
Jesus calls us! By Thy mercies,
Savior may we hear Thy call,
Give our hearts to Thine obedience,
Serve and love Thee best of all.
It is only by God’s grace that we can enter the kingdom of heaven. Jesus first tells those around him that it is virtually impossible to get there, but remain hopeful, because with God, all things are possible. We then hear some reassuring words. The disciples mentioned that they had left everything to follow Jesus. Jesus replies that God’s blessing for doing this will happen, not only a reward in heaven, but also a huge reward on this earth.
So do we follow Jesus for the huge reward at this end? Is Jesus preaching the gospel of prosperity? I think that we should look at what is happening, both in the early church, and today. What lifestyle did Jesus and his disciples live? Did they live in opulent homes living off of the goodness of others? It appears not. So what was this hundred fold reward? Perhaps it is the family of believers that come alongside you. Is God asking you to turn your back on your family so that you can have friends in other places? I am sure that God is asking you to follow him, to put aside anything that would hinder this, and try to listen to his leading. Family and friends can be encouraging in this regard, or can be a detrimental influence.
I pray that as I seek to follow Jesus, that I will thank Him for his grace and mercy. I pray that I can be thankful for my loving family, and friends that are in my life.
Observations/Application
Once again the world is turned upside down. All what matters to mankind does not matter to God. All the material things we gain in this life is of no consequence – ‘it all goes back into the box’ as Ortberg put it. All is for Christ. The task at hand is to do His work without thought of gain or cost. As the disciples left all to follow Christ we too need to follow Him and proclaim the Good News wherever we are placed without thought of returns or comments of friends or relatives when He calls us. Just do it. Not for material gain but for proclaiming the gospel and following Christ. All what we have is to be used in His service. Listen to Him and His voice saying – ‘This is the way – follow Me.’
Prayer
Help me this day Lord to do just that – follow You and do what needs to be done.
Jesus calls us over the tumult
Of our life’s wild, restless, sea;
Day by day His sweet voice soundeth,
Saying, “Christian, follow Me!”
As of old Saint Andrew heard it
By the Galilean lake,
Turned from home and toil and kindred,
Leaving all for Jesus’ sake.
Jesus calls us from the worship
Of the vain world’s golden store,
From each idol that would keep us,
Saying, “Christian, love Me more!”
In our joys and in our sorrows,
Days of toil and hours of ease,
Still He calls, in cares and pleasures,
“Christian, love Me more than these!”
Jesus calls us! By Thy mercies,
Savior may we hear Thy call,
Give our hearts to Thine obedience,
Serve and love Thee best of all.