Then Peter said to Him, “Behold, we have left everything and followed You; what then will there be for us?”
And Jesus said to them, “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.
And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or farms for My name’s sake, will receive many times as much, and will inherit eternal life. Matthew 19:27-29
In the movie ‘Dances with Wolves’, John Dunbar loses his hat and an Indian takes it. Trying to get it back becomes a trade in which the Indian gives him a knife and beads and things worth far more. Dunbar’s advocate looks at him and says “Good trade!”. When it comes to following Jesus, no matter what we give up, its a good trade! Peter is reminded that he gets many times more and eternal life, which no man can earn. Hence, this is the commentary on the conversation Jesus had with the rich young ruler. Mature Christians move beyond the WIIFM mindset, recognizing that simply being accompanied by Jesus and serving eternal purposes is reward enough.
What have I given up for Jesus sake? What more can I?
God, this is a profound pondering. For, I believe I have shaped nearly all my life to follow Jesus, His teachings and His will for me. As You reveal more and more of Your plan, my answer is yes. Give me the courage to follow You all the way. I know its a good trade.
