Ever fell into the trap of asking (or even complaining to)
God about the returns on your investment in His kingdom? One young man felt so
good about his prospects that he was confident enough to say to Jesus “I’ve
kept all the laws.” The disciples looking on saw a very disappointed young man
walk away in response to Jesus’ answer. At this point, Peter quips “Well, we’ve
left everything to follow you. What’s in it for us?” (Mat. 19:27; emphasis
mine).
We just can’t help ourselves in not only comparing ourselves
with others, but asking the same set of questions the original audience put to
Jesus:
ü
“What will I (we) get for our labor? 19:27
ü
“Why don’t I get more for my effort? 20:11
ü
“How can this be fair?” 20:12
These questions often lead to a spirit of discontent. Jesus
addressed this issue in Matthew 20, summing up His answer with “So the last
shall be first, and the first will be last” (Mat. 19:30). Kingdom priority is
totally reversed. We can get bogged down with those types of questions, feeling
discontented, discouraged, depressed and living in constant despair. But the
truth is, we can never out-give God, and have absolutely no reason to question
God’s dealings with others. In fact, Jesus encourages us not to “judge”
(Mat.7:31). So what if others seem to be winning now? So what if someone has
more than me? So what if the other person seems to be getting ahead (faster,
accumulating more)? Here’s assurance- The Lord will more than compensate those
who have sacrificed for Him (19:29). There will not only be physical blessings,
but eternal blessings. “While it may appear you are giving up everything now
and seemingly “last,” rest assured you will be eternally rewarded and be among
the “first”. While those who “appear to have everything now” and reject God
will discover they have lost everything and be “last.” Take courage! You cannot
out-give God. Keep on doing the work of ministry!
Minister Kevin A. Hall (08.29.18)
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