#1234. The promise for the wholehearted (28/2/24)

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional (Posted each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) as we continue in our Luke, Exploring Who Jesus is series.

From Luke 18:28-30, let’s reflect on the great promise for this and the next life for those who will radically follow Jesus.

Luke 18:28–30

You can listen to this devotional below (It’s also available on Spotify on the Community Church Putney podcast)

https://youtu.be/nUDaeJ0KiNc

‘Peter said to him, “We have left all we had to follow you!” 29 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus said to them, “no one who has left home or wife or brothers or sisters or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God 30 will fail to receive many times as much in this age, and in the age to come eternal life.” (Luke 18:28-30)

Luke 18:28–30

We have left all

Peter's statement reveals a tension that every disciple of Jesus eventually faces: Is following Christ worth the cost? He and the other disciples had left their homes, families, jobs, and comforts to walk with Jesus. Perhaps this is a moment of doubt in Peter’s heart— is this sacrifice truly worth it? Perhaps we’re being tempted to be less than fully devoted to Jesus.

If you’ve left all, you will receive more

Jesus responds with a powerful promise. No one who surrenders earthly security for the kingdom of God will be left empty-handed. This is speaking of putting Jesus above all other relationships and ambitions. This is also referring to those who, due to persecution, have lost family relationships and opportunities. In this life, we receive far more than we give up —new family in Christ, a deeper purpose, and the presence of God.

A promise for the wholehearted

I want to point to a hindrance against inheriting the good things in this life that are mentioned here. Jesus’ promise is for the wholehearted. For those who have ‘left all’ to follow Jesus. If we are halfhearted and unfaithful toward Jesus and His people, how can we ever experience the reward of the deep, loving familial relationships that are mentioned here? Loving Jesus also means loving His people. As we do so, others will inherit this promise from you! And you will experience this promise from them! God’s vision for the church is that we enjoy multiplied ‘brothers, sisters, parents and children’.

So let’s embrace whole-hearted devotion to Jesus and His people, trusting that as we put Him above all else, we will receive much more than we lose. But the greatest reward is yet to come: eternal life in the age to come.

Let’s pray together: Father, I thank You for the privilege of following Jesus. Help me to trust that anything I surrender for Your sake is not lost but multiplied in Your kingdom. Strengthen my faith when I feel the weight of sacrifice, and remind me of the eternal reward You have promised. In Jesus’ name, Amen.