“Listen to my words,” Jesus said. “Anyone who leaves his home behind and chooses me over children, parents, family, and possessions, all for the sake of the gospel, it will come back to him a hundred times as much in this lifetime—homes, family, mothers, brothers, sisters, children, possessions—along with persecutions. And in the age to come, he will inherit eternal life. But many who are considered to be the most important now will be the least important then. And many who are viewed as the least important now will be considered the most important then.” Mark 10:29-31 TPT

Have you ever received a check in the mail for $10,000? As you look it over, you see some key words like; call to activate or non-negotiable. What began by looking like a blessing is just a gimac to get you in debt. You have to pay attention to the whole thing, not just what it looks like.

As I read this message from Jesus, I wondered how many people have skipped over those words, along with persecutions? We have a tendency to focus on the ‘good’ stuff, but there’s always stipulations, aren’t there? Like the rich young ruler in verses 17-23 when he asked what he must do to obtain eternal life. He was a good man, followed all the laws, but when Jesus said, “Sell all you have and give to the poor,” he walked away. Because sometimes what He asks of us is just too much.

We want the good stuff, but we don’t want to do anything to get it. We believe in our covenant promises, but when He asks us to do something first, it’s just too much. Why is that? Jesus gave everything, including his life, how is it so hard to lay down our all for the Kingdom?

I hope this gives you pause today. Something to think on as you go throughout your day. There’s a price to pay for the choices we’ve made. The 100 times back in this lifetime is awesome, but it comes with persecutions. Some people would just rather not. Is that you?

Sandy G