God Rewards Sacrifice

Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee. And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life. Mark 10:28-30 (KJV)

This exchange took place after the rich, young ruler chose his riches over following Jesus. Jesus had explained how difficult it can be for wealthy people to enter heaven because their heart is often with their wealth instead of with God. Peter then said that they had given up everything to follow Jesus. Jesus replied that those who left family or possessions for His sake and the sake of the Gospel, would be rewarded in this life and in the life to come. Notice, it has to be for the right reasons, not for selfish ones. We must do things with the right motives and in the right way.

Jesus specifically said we would receive a hundredfold now in this time. We’ll reap 100 times more than we sowed, plus we get eternal life. That which we sow to follow the Lord will be multiplied back to us by Him.

Of course, He also mentioned that we would get persecutions. What prosperous believer has not received criticism and persecution? The enemy will send persecutions, but just keep moving and receiving from God to overcome it.

The reward is always greater than the risk. Don’t allow fear of persecution to keep you from following God. As you sacrifice to pursue God, know that He will reward you- both now and later.