Riches and Persecutions

"Then Peter began to say to Him, 'See, we have left all and followed You."  V28
                                                                                             Mark 10:23-31.  NKJV

Peter was the type of person that we can all relate to, outspoken and a bit of a rough diamond, but Jesus loved him, as He does us, and was gradually getting him ready for service, as He is us too.

Prior to today's commentary in Mark 10-17-22, there we see a rich young ruler who wanted to follow Jesus but was reluctant to give up his extravagant lifestyle. This is quite a common thing today. Many people want to be Christians but struggle with tithing. When it comes to giving up all they have to go to bible college, be a missionary or pastor a church with very little remuneration, it is a major problem.

This was one of the problems here. This man was rich and no doubt wanted for nothing. That was ok; but Jesus was asking him to go all the way and be prepared to give it all up and follow Him. It was probably a test to see how dedicated the man would be; how committed to being a disciple instead of the gentry. He chose not to follow Jesus.

Jesus commented on this and Peter interrupted Him with, 'We've given everything up to follow you, what about our needs? (paraphrase). Jesus reassured him that all those who choose to follow Jesus and give up their livelihood, will be taken care of. They will want for nothing. However, not everyone is called to give up all they have to work for Jesus. Millions are doing that in their everyday jobs all over the world. But those who feel the calling of God and choose to follow Him, wholeheartedly, will be blessed and have their needs met.

However, this is never easy, as verse 30 shows us. There will be persecutions. Whether you work for Jesus full time or serve Him in your everyday life in your job, once people know that you're a Christian, the flak will start coming your way. Why is that? Well, all of a sudden you become a threat to the devil - yes you! He didn't like you very much before you were born again. Now he literally hates you because you have the ability to cause mayhem in his domain. Therefore, he guides people to give you a bad time.

Bosses, neighbours and even family see you as strange and an oddball. You become an embarrassment to your family and friends and some neighbours may avoid you. Bosses may discriminate against you and some forbid you to speak about Jesus. That happened to me at one time. Also, you may see fellow Christians having a blessed time, with all of their needs met while you are scrimping and short of cash, even though you have prayed non-stop. A word here that you need to remember, Jesus said, 'But many are who are first will be last and the last first.' V31:

This was the qualifying remark regarding the apostle’s reward. All who sacrifice for the Lord will be rewarded, but God’s way and timing of rewarding may not match up with man’s way and timing of being rewarded. When God rewards, expect the unexpected.

If you have honoured God with your time, your finances. your livelihood and all you have, He will honour you. That's a promise. But He doesn't say when. This is where our faith and trust need to apply. You may be feeling let down at the moment - people persecuting you, short of finance and struggling with bills, children and such like. You may have spoken to Jesus all the time about this, but with nothing in return. Well, you're in for a blessing! Stand firm, praise and trust God, thank Him and receive from Him by faith what you've asked Him for, and you will have it.

This is not the time to give up, it is the time to look up - to Jesus.


Copyright 2020 Grahame Howard

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