The Eternal Investment

After watching the rich young ruler walk away sorrowful, the disciples were deeply affected. They had seen how difficult it was for someone to let go of wealth in order to follow Jesus. Naturally, this raised an important question in their own minds. What about us? What happens to those who have truly left everything for Him?

Peter, as he often did, spoke on behalf of the group. He said to Jesus:

“See, we have left all and followed You.”(Luke 18:28 – NKJV)

Peter was not boasting. He was being honest. The disciples had left their homes, families, fishing businesses, daily income, and personal security to follow Jesus. This was no small sacrifice. Peter wanted to know whether such costly obedience had meaning and value in God’s eyes.

Lord Jesus answered with deep assurance and encouragement:

“Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or parents or brothers or wife or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who shall not receive many times more in this present time, and in the age to come eternal life.”
(Luke 18:29–30 – NKJV)

Jesus made something very clear here. God never ignores a sacrifice made for His kingdom. Anything given up for Him is never truly lost. While the world calculates return only in money or comfort, God looks at the heart and responds with blessings that are far greater and deeper.

However, Jesus also shows that the reward is not just material. The blessings include peace, purpose, spiritual family, and God’s presence in this life and eternal life in the age to come. The rewards of the kingdom are not transactional (like a business deal), but transformational. God changes the person, not just their circumstances.

The disciples played a very special role in God’s plan. Their obedience and sacrifice laid the foundation of the early church. Scripture highlights this honour clearly:

“You are built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone.”(Ephesians 2:20 – NIV)

This means the church was built upon the teachings and witness of the apostles, with Jesus as the centre and support of everything.

The book of Revelation shows the eternal honour given to them:

“The wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.”(Revelation 21:14 – NKJV)

These verses show us that their temporary sacrifices on earth resulted in everlasting honour in heaven. God does not forget those who are faithful to Him.

The kingdom of God works very differently from the world’s system. In the world, holding on tightly is seen as wisdom. But in God’s kingdom, giving and serving lead to true riches. Jesus Himself said:

“It is more blessed to give than to receive.”(Acts 20:35 – NKJV)

This does not mean God wants people to live in lack. It means that joy, peace, and blessing flow when the heart is generous. In God’s economy, what looks like loss often becomes gain, and surrender leads to victory.

Having a giving heart protects a person from being controlled by money. The Bible warns us clearly:

“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.”(1 Timothy 6:10 – NIV)

Money itself is not evil, but when the love of money takes over the heart, it leads people away from God. A heart aligned with God values generosity, obedience, and trust more than accumulation.

God’s promise concerning generosity is firm and trustworthy. Jesus said:

“Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your lap.”
(Luke 6:38 – ESV)

This verse teaches us that God is never outdone in generosity. Whether we give time, resources, forgiveness, or love, God multiplies it back in ways that go beyond human calculation.

Living a lifestyle of giving means choosing God’s kingdom values over worldly wealth. It means trusting that God knows our needs and will take care of us. Jesus gave this assurance:

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”(Matthew 6:33 – NKJV)

When we live this way in the present age, we position ourselves to experience the “many times more” that Jesus promised both now and in eternity.

Bible Reading: Exodus 7-8

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The Eternal Investment

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