Who? Me? Give?

Matt. 19:27-30; Mark 10:28-31; Luke 18:28-30

As we see from these passages, these disciples had left their fishing boats and nets and were seeking rewards of thrones. Did they really understand the full reward that they would receive one day?

Jesus told them, "...you shall also sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel." Matt. 19:28b

If we forsake things in this life for the kingdom, which being from the Giver, will be promised an hundred-fold in return. Remember, our gifts will be either purified as gold or consumed as by fire...

But don't cheapen what we see as superficial comparing what another person can give compared to us. Sometimes we look at the world and ask the question why God uses us when someone else can offer so much more (like the rich young ruler). But such words have never been spoken by Jesus! The disciples left their boats and nets (which were all they had) and followed Jesus, leaving them behind. Truly they were not the value of what the rich young ruler could have given to the kingdom!

But Jesus was not looking for what they had to offer, but more of what importance it was to them. When we part with things of this world we can be sure Jesus will reward those who give in sacrifice for the kingdom; but what we do give we must part with willingly. When God gives us good things they are meant to be used for His Kingdom, not our indulgences.

"The promises made by Jesus have one other excellent effect when considered. They tend to humble. Their very magnitude has a sobering effect on the mind. Not even the vainest can pretend that their good deeds deserve to be rewarded with thrones, and their sacrifices to be recompensed an hundred-fold. At this rate, all must be content to be debtors to God's grace, and all talk of merit is out of the question. That is one reason why the rewards of the kingdom of heaven are so great. God bestows His gifts so as at once to glorify the Giver and to humble the receiver." The Training of the Twelve, A. B. Bruce, page 264.

This means the gift or whatever we have that is of value has been bestowed upon us as believers to keep the gift in focus of its Source. If it was His from the beginning, what right do we have to hold on to the gift? I challenge you today and take a hard look at the gifts that God has given to each of us and consider that it might not just have been given to you but to give back to the Lord who allowed the blessing to come your way! I'm not advocating the total abandonment of all material things and living in a cardboard box, but I am saying that if Jesus were to say to you to give it today, would or could you do it? I fear today, we have too many things we are unwilling to part with, even if Christ commanded...

Remember, the Benevolent is the one who bestows the Benefit, which is meant to humble the Beneficiary!

Is it all worth it? Only if you one day choose to decide if hundred-fold on your investment is worth it!

This is the act of a true believer who loves his God and has allowed Him to become the centerpiece of his life. We don't do it for the Reward, but for the Rewarder of our Faith!