Cost and Benefit
Photo by Anne Nygård on Unsplash.
Have you ever asked the question, or thought, “What is in it for me?” Have you ever weighed the cost versus the benefit of a situation or choice?
Sacrificially and obediently following Jesus can be costly. If we are honest with ourselves and with God, we may wonder if following Jesus is worth it.
Can we trust God with our lives? Can we trust God to treat us justly? Does God have our best interest in mind?
In Matthew’s gospel account, after Jesus confronted a young rich man concerning valuing his riches above following him, Jesus’ own disciples questioned what benefit they would receive as a result of sacrificially following him.
In response to Jesus’ confrontation of the rich man, and his follow up teaching, Peter said, “See, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?” (Matthew 19:27, ESV).
The disciples wondered, “What is in it for me?”
Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name's sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” (Matthew 19:28-30, ESV).
Jesus promised the twelve disciples thrones, position, and authority. Jesus promises everyone who sacrificially and faithfully follows him restorative and abundant blessing. God will exponentially restore all losses.
God has our best interest in mind. We cannot out give or out sacrifice God. Following Jesus has great benefit. God is just and benevolent. Jesus is gracious and generous towards his followers.
May we put our faith and trust in Jesus, recognizing he has our best interest in mind, and he is just and generous towards his followers.
A Collect for Strength to Await Christ’s Return: “O God our King, by the resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ on the first day of the week, you conquered sin, put death to flight, and gave us the hope of everlasting life: Redeem all our days by this victory; forgive our sins, banish our fears, make us bold to praise you and to do your will; and steel us to wait for the consummation of your kingdom on the last great Day; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” (Book of Common Prayer, 2019).
Photo by Anne Nygård on Unsplash.
