The Eternal Investment

The disciples, having witnessed the rich young ruler's struggle, found themselves pondering the cost of discipleship. Peter, often the voice of the group, posed a poignant question to Jesus, encapsulated in Luke 18:28-30.

²⁸ Then Peter said, “See, we have left all and followed You.” ²⁹ So He said to them, “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, ³⁰ who shall not receive many times more in this present time, and in the age to come eternal life.”

Their sacrifices of home, family, and livelihood were not small, and Peter sought to understand the return on such significant investments.

Lord Jesus responds with a profound assurance – those who have made sacrifices for the kingdom of God will not only receive manifold blessings in this life but, more importantly, will inherit eternal life. The rewards of the kingdom are not transactional but transformational, not temporal but eternal.

The disciples' unique role in the early church was monumental.

“Having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone.” (Ephesians 2:20)

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

These verses highlight their foundational contributions. Their earthly sacrifices were met with eternal honour.

The kingdom of God operates on principles that often seem completely opposite to the world's ways. The act of giving away, of sacrificing, and of serving leads to true riches. As Lord Jesus said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35). This heavenly economy is where loss is gain, and surrender is victory.

Having a heart of a giver is a safeguard against the corruption of riches. When the love of money takes root, it can lead to all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:10). However, a heart aligned with God's heart is focused on generosity, not accumulation.

God's promise is clear: He will not be outdone in generosity. The measure we use to give – be it time, resources, or love – will be the measure used to give back to us, pressed down, shaken together, and running over (Luke 6:38). In God's economy, our investment is always secure and yields dividends beyond measure.

Embracing a lifestyle of giving means prioritising God's kingdom values over worldly wealth. It involves trusting that our heavenly Father knows our needs and will provide as we seek His kingdom first (Matthew 6:33). Living this principle in the present age positions us to experience the "many times more" that Jesus promises.

The Eternal Investment

Most Read