Forsaking all

Forsaking all

I tell you the truth, Jesus said to them, no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God will fail to receive many times as much in this age and, in the age to come, eternal life (Luke 18:29,30 NIV).

A man had just come to Jesus demanding to know what to do to get eternal life. Jesus asked him if he kept the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery. Do not murder. Do not steal. Do not bear false witness. Honour your father and your mother. And so on.’ Interestingly, he had kept all these commandments since he was a youth. Then Jesus told him he had one more thing to do: “Sell all you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” The man walked away sadly because he was very rich (Lk. 18:18-30).

That was what led to the statement of Jesus in our opening text. So many today want to follow Jesus but they are still holding on to things that keep them in the shackles of earthly distractions. As much as that man really wanted to follow Jesus he equally wanted to hold on to his ‘security’. But Jesus said anyone who would follow Him should carry his cross. Without dropping what you are holding on to, your hands cannot be free to receive divine commission.

Many of us hold on to our convenience. Many hold on to their certificates. Many there are holding on to their business, wealth and reputation. Many cling to their professions and jobs. But Jesus is saying; “let go of them, come and follow me”. Leaving home and family for the sake of God’s kingdom doesn’t mean to desert them or stop caring for them. But it does mean that you make God’s calling upon your life a matter of priority over them. You must love God above them all.

I know a dear brother who chose to go for a ministration to win souls into the Kingdom instead of sitting for a very crucial qualifying examination. This was because both programmes coincidentally fell on the same time. In an amazing way, God rewarded his sacrifice with a blessing bigger than he bargained for.

What are you willing to forgo so as to obey the Lord and serve Him? You can let go of your money and time. Let Him use your gifts and abilities to draw others to Him. What little inconvenience can you put up with just for the sake of God’s glory? What can you forego so that a soul can be helped? Let no one say “there’s nothing I can do”. Mind you, there is a great reward for our obedience to Christ – both here and in eternity. May God help us. In Jesus name!

Today’s corporate prayer: O Lord help me to surrender to you in the areas where you want me to. In the name of Jesus!

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BIBLE IN A YEAR: II Kings 21 – 25

Also Read: Unflinching trust