On the heels of the rich young ruler’s departure from Jesus, Peter makes a blunt statement as if he expected some report or notice from the Messiah. It is certainly understandable what Peter said. He did leave his home, his family, his job, and any future plan in favor of following Christ. His route became one of the chosen apostles that would revolutionize the spiritual world throughout the earth for all the years to come.
The path these apostles were taking would be full of disappointment with heartache. They were not Supermen. They were not divine. They did not possess unusual strength physically or emotionally. These were men take off the worksite away from their families chosen to do a magnificent task more than the consequence they could not imagine at the time. There was no equation of how much sacrifice would equal benefit. They were only called to leave and to follow. In many cases, their preconceived notions would need to be adjusted.
All of them but one would be martyred in horrendous fashion. They never returned home to be mourned by loved ones. Their assignment was simply to serve as assigned to each of them. Peter and the other apostles led extreme lives of sacrifice. No measurements could be levied for their costs. Their unusual way of living for Christ remains still beyond what we can imagine. Today Christians around the world are being asked by God to be truthful and faithful to their duties. It may seem overwhelming in our world but there is a reality Jesus provides in our text. He said that God is aware and faithful and their persistence would be rewarded.
Yes, it will be worth it all when you see Jesus. Whatever sacrifices you may be making today for God are incidental to the rewards that await you. As part of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus joyfully shared the good news by saying, “rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for behold your reward is great heaven.” (Luke 6:23) Again, Jesus gives the assurance for the sacrifices and the earthly pain you may be suffering by saying, “Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven.” (Matthew 5:12)
It is not a light thing to God for what you must endure on earth as a result of your devotion. Be strong knowing that you have rewards awaiting in eternity for all time. Be glad that you are privileged to walk the gauntlet of life’s circumstances because what you suffer here is an investment there. Whatever hardships, whatever persecution, whatever sacrifices that has been required of you is taken notice by God. The rewards are so great that in this life we cannot comprehend. God love you. He also appreciates you.
Confirmed to yourself that you will never give up on your service to God. Set your horizon in the distance. You’re not only headed toward a place of relief. You are moving toward rewards that are with unmatchable greatness. Any hardship is not incidental. Each one is a registry taken into account for the heavenly awards that are yours personally.
Christian Writer 