Any gains at the end? (R)

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Mark 8:35-37 "For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?" - NIV

In all we do, gains are expected materially, socially, financially, spiritually or otherwise. No one does anything for nothing. Investments are made with returns in mind. This encourages sacrifice, risks and patience. It was the same principle Jesus taught as He challenged His disciples to put their lives on the line for His sake. He said, ‘whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it.’

Some risks are not certain to yield good results. Gaining all the glory of this world, and paying no attention the eternal state of your soul is a big gamble. It’s an eternal lose! Giving ones life to Christ and committing to serve Him, is a sure deal in the kingdom of God and for eternity. There will be a reward. As we count the cost of where our faith and hope is for now and more so into eternity, Jesus is the solid rock we can rely on.

The disciples asked Jesus what they could expect since they had left everything to follow Him. Jesus took this as a valid concern and told them they would recieve a hundred fold what they forsook, eternal life together with persecutions. Friends, investing your life and resources in God and His kingdom is no gamble. In Him, you can put all your eggs in the same basket, and be sure they are safe. It is worthwhile.

Matthew 19:27-29 "Peter answered him, "We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?" Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life."

Shalom children of God.