With God

Matthew 19:23-28 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God.” 25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?” 26 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” 27 Peter answered him, “We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?” 28 Jesus said to them, “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.”
 
THIS follows a question from a rich young ruler who walked away from Jesus saddened at the cost of eternal life: “Sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in Heaven. Then come, follow me.” (Matthew 19:21) Of course, Jesus knew the human heart desires worldly things more than he. A camel can go through the eye of a sewing needle more easily than a rich man will give up his treasure for eternal life. There is no hope for salvation if mankind relies on the human heart to change.
   Then the disciples wanted to prove themselves. They had done what Jesus said was necessary. They had given up everything! Surely they were saved.
   Then Jesus assures them they are saved. But the assurance is salvation through God’s power, not their own works. “With man salvation is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Only God can save, and God will save.
   Then Jesus spoke of their blessed future. “You who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” The disciples won’t judge the sins of mankind, but they will aid in Kingdom rule. Giving up “everything” on earth will lead to eternal reward. “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.” (Matthew 19:29-30)
   Following Jesus can and often is a discouraging process if we focus on our own desires and goals. We are sad when we see people live in faith for a while then walk away, unwilling to give up their worldly desires. We look at troubles in the church, and we watch the culture disintegrating around us. Often we question, “How will things change? Does the gospel still have the power to save and transform lives?”
   Be assured with Jesus words. God has been and is at work for His Kingdom to come. From Noah’s labor to build an ark to John’s vision of Heaven’s power, the Bible declares suffering, deprivation and martyrdom await Jesus’ own. So it is very good to know that one who suffers for Jesus’ sake “will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.”
   What is the hundredfold blessing? The wonder of God’s blessings is something that can only be measured in God’s love. Hear Jesus’ words: “If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” (John 15:10-11) Such a blessing is uncountable. The LORD God draws us near, so we will love him with all of our heart.