Sacrifices and Rewards

 N.T.#397 "Sacrifices and Rewards"

Sept. 30, 2024 

Mark 10-Part 7

But the many that are first shall be last; and the last first.(verse 31)

LET IT GLOW 

Haven't you always wondered what this key verse meant when Jesus said it? Previously, Jesus told Peter it is almost impossible for the rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Yet, it is not impossible with God. 

For with God all things are possible. (verse 27b)

Salvation is in God's hands and He will save whomever He wishes. It just takes faith the size of a grain of mustard seed. Then Jesus went on to reassure the disciples that anyone who gives up something valuable for His sake will be repaid a hundred times over in this life, although not necessarily in the same way. 

An example used was one who is rejected by family for accepting Christ, but they will gain the larger family of believers. We can expect persecutions, but eternal life in heaven. That is a good exchange, I think.

Jesus explained verse 31 that in the world to come in heaven; values will be reversed. Those who seek status and importance here will have none in heaven. Those who are humble here will be great in heaven. Those who humbly serve others are most qualified to be great in heaven.

[Resource: Life Application Study Bible]

LET IT GROW 

Did you notice that Jesus did not chastise Peter for his question? He told the disciples that there is no one who has made significant sacrifices for the sake of the gospel who will not be rewarded now at this time and in the age to come. 

Tony Evans gives us 6 things to observe about this:

1. Jesus' pronouncement is true for all who associate with Him as kingdom disciples. There are no exceptions. (verse 29)
2. Being a public disciple will cost you: maybe a location, relationships, or even your business or means of employment. A man does no become a Christian and stop providing for his children. But we must always give our relationship with Jesus priority.
3. These prices are paid "for the sake of the gospel." It is for the purpose of following Jesus and giving allegiance to His kingdom
4. The very things that were left behind are what you receive. You don't truly loose anything; you make a trade.
5. You will receive persecutions. The more committed ou are to Christ, the more resistance there will be to the presence of Christ in your life.
6. A disciple's reward is divided between the ages' the present age and the age to come. Don't expect to receive all of our blessings now. Most of your reward is stored up and kept for you-and it's a hundred times more than anything you leave behind. 

God flips the script in the age to come. Keep our focus on the Millennium reign and the new heaven and new earth.

Are we trading serving ourself for serving Jesus?

Are you storing up rewards in heaven?

Who are you taking with you?

LET IT GO

Lord Jesus, You are our reward.

*Thank you everyone for your prayers. covid really knocked me down. Please remember our grandson, Will. He has been in the hospital for a week with double pneumonia. He is making improvements but has a long way to go. Thanks.