Matthew 19:29,30
“And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or farms on account of My name, will receive many times as much, and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last; and the last, first.”
Jesus is sharing a big principle of the kingdom. That is that God gives back many times more than we give up. This verse describes Abraham. God called him away from his family and their property. God blessed him with many things; one was wealth. We see that wealth was seen as God’s blessing in the Old Testament. Job also was blessed with wealth.
If one follows the biblical principles of discipline and hard work some will also be wealthy. That one is following God’s advice. He doesn’t have to be a believer to receive that result.
The child of God receives blessings of all sorts. Some are financially wealthy, many aren’t. God’s blessings are spiritual, relational, strong in wisdom and so on. Jesus adds to that list with eternal life. I can recall getting saved and being so relieved to have my eternity settled. A weight fell off. The church of my youth doesn’t teach the concept of one being eternally secure. What a great promise.
He blesses us with wisdom. David said in Psalm 119:99, “I have more understanding than all my teachers, For Your testimonies are my meditation.” I can recall reading this scripture while in college. Some of my teachers were antiGod. Here I was 20 years old with far less education and being far less articulate, yet the most important choice one could make in this life and they missed it. They had no clue.
God wants all to be saved and He pursues us. However, there must be some seeking on the persons part. He and His ways are slightly hidden. That’s why Jesus taught in parables. If one seeks God, He will let Himself be found. Jesus said, “He that has ears, let him hear”. That’s all of us. He doesn’t mean to hear audibly, but to understand. There must be some digging to get that. Why is there any hiding of this great message? To keep it honored. He doesn’t want pearls to be cast before swine.
God is a giver. Just by being alive we experience the blessings of life and creation. Our health, our abilities, the opportunities. We are all children of God, little c. The miracle of creation. Blessing upon blessing.
The child of God receives so much. We are adopted by God. He comes to live inside us. We receive His nature. Revelation 3:20 says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with Me.” That is so amazing. God wants to have a close relationship with all of us. Just like sharing a meal with a friend. If the rich and famous were offered a sit down lunch with God they would pay millions. They don’t know that they could have it for free. They don’t want it under the conditions Jesus gives. They don’t know that His Way is the best ever.
God’s blessings upon His children don’t end there. He offers guidance in life. Proverbs 3:5,6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all Your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.” How amazing. The all wise God, the creator of the universe wants to guide us in our lives. There is no greater expert or life coach. He knows us better than we know ourselves. Many get degrees that open doors to careers that they despise. God knows better.
God gives us the fruit of the Spirit. “Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control”, (Galatians 5). As we give the Holy Spirit control in our lives He produces this fruit in us. Many of the rich and famous would pay much for this. Yet, it’s free if we go God’s way.
His principle that He out gives us is true and wonderful. We have to put ourselves in a place to receive His blessings. That is to receive His forgiveness and accept Him as lord and savior. What an honor. Thank You, Lord.