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REWARDED

Then Peter said to him, "We've given up everything to follow you. What will we get out of it?"   And Jesus replied, "I assure you that when I, the Son of Man, sit upon my glorious throne in the Kingdom, you who have been my followers will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel .  And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or property, for my sake, will receive a hundred times as much in return and will have eternal life.  But many who seem to be important now will be the least important then, and those who are considered least here will be the greatest then." – Matthew 19:27-30 (NLT)

      Leave it to Peter to ask what was on everyone’s mind – “What’s in it for me?” For those who have sacrificed much for the kingdom, it is easy to sometimes wonder if it is really worth all the time and effort. “I’ve given so much; will I ever see a return on my investment?”

      The question sounds selfish to the core, but no rebuke is forthcoming from the lips of Jesus. Instead He explains with great assurance the reward that awaits those who have surrendered self for the Kingdom of God – servants will rule, payback is guaranteed, and eternal life is thrown into the mix as an end of the world extra. What more could we ask for? Or do we dare to ask at all? Go ahead and ask, receive, and continue to live the life that brings never-ending reward.

PRAYER THOUGHT: Life-Giver, I thank you for granting me gifts beyond what I could wish for.