Matthew 19:27-20:16   The children came freely to Jesus.. the rich young man turned away.. Peter wanted to know where he and the other disciples stood.. "Behold we have left everything and followed you: what then will there be for us?"  

The kingdom belongs to the children who came to Jesus with nothing to give. The rich young man had much.. but would not give it to Jesus. The disciples had homes and jobs.. they were somewhere in-between the two others... not poor and needy, but not rich either. Still they had left their homes and their livelihoods.. and followed Jesus.  So, what did that mean to Him?

The answer is so remarkable!  "Truly I say to you, that you who have followed Me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on His glorious throne, you also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel."  Jesus gives His disciples a glimpse of something they couldn't even imagine.. that they had no idea about.. a future that will be more than worth the sacrifice that they made when they walked away from their fishing boats or whatever else they left behind. Thrones in His Kingdom!

But, Jesus was not done.. "And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or farms for My name's sake, shall receive many times as much, and shall inherit eternal life." Everyone who lays down their lives.. takes up their cross. and follows Jesus can trust in this promise from Jesus.  I think of missionaries.. especially in the past.. when they sailed or flew across the ocean to serve the Lord in foreign lands.. before FaceTime.. before Skype.. before email.. leaving behind family and homes, knowing that it would be 4-5 years before they would see their siblings or parents again.  Letters took months to travel back and forth.  I remember it well.. for I was one left behind.. with 2 brothers and 1 sister far away, serving the Lord in Africa and Japan.  So thankful for them and that God used them to start churches.. to teach the Word.. to be faithful and to persevere through the years away.  Have they received "many times as much"?  I think they would say, "yes".  But more than anything they look forward to eternity with Jesus!

"But many who are first will be last; and the last first."  Jesus said to them.  And then He told a story.  Will look at that tomorrow.

Father in heaven, with You "all things are possible".  With You.. sacrifices are possible... and worth every one.   For You are our God and we trust in Your plans and purposes. We desire to serve You and to trust You.. waiting on that day when we will see clearly what You have done with the seeds we have planted.. the gifts we have offered.. the love we have shown. Fill us daily with Your Holy Spirit and lead us in Kingdom work as You have prepared for each of us to do.  Your will be done, Father, to Your glory and honor forever and ever. Amen.