The Currency of Sacrifice

Focus: Luke 18:28–30 (KJV): "Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee. And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake, Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting." 

God never remains in debt to a human being. Whatever we willingly sacrifice for the sake of Jesus Christ will be heavily repaid, both in this lifetime and for all eternity. A wealthy young ruler had refused to give up his riches to follow Jesus. The young man walked away sorrowful because he couldn't stomach the cost of discipleship. Watching this play out, Peter spoke up, essentially asking, "Lord, what about us? We actually did it. We walked away from our businesses, our comforts, and our safety to follow You. Was it worth it?" Jesus did not rebuke Peter for asking. Instead, He promised that anyone who sacrifices their comfort, relationships, or earthly security for the kingdom will receive multiple times over in this present time, followed by the ultimate inheritance of life everlasting. Following Jesus will cost us, but the returns on our investment are exponentially greater than anything we leave behind.

God came to Abraham in Ur of the Chaldees with a massive, disruptive demand: "Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee.” God asked him to surrender his geographic security, his family safety net, and his inheritance. Abraham had to completely clear his hands of his old life. He did not hesitate. He obeyed and went out, "not knowing whither he went." He left his house and his brethren purely for the sake of God's call. In exchange for his old country, God gave him a brand-new homeland. In exchange for leaving his father's house, God made him the father of many nations, promising that his descendants would be as countless as the stars. God blessed him so heavily in "this present time" with wealth, protection, and peace that even local pagan kings feared him. Most importantly, Abraham gained an eternal spiritual legacy, becoming the literal blueprint of faith for every believer who followed. He left a tent in Ur and inherited a heavenly city.

What is God asking you to lay down for His sake today? It might not be a physical house, but it could be a compromised relationship, a selfish ambition, or a habit that is holding you back from full obedience. When you make a sacrifice for the kingdom, refuse to dwell on what it cost you. Shift your mindset from what you gave up to the overwhelming goodness of the One you gave it up for. If you are feeling isolated, lonely, or financially strained because you chose to follow biblical principles instead of taking the easy way out, rest in Jesus' promise. God is actively preparing a "manifold" blessing for your faithfulness, both now and in eternity.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, I thank you that you are a faithful Master who sees every sacrifice made in secret. Forgive me for holding onto the things of this world too tightly, or for dragging my feet when you ask me to step out in faith. Give me the radical obedience of Abraham and the early disciples. I willingly lay down my comfort, my reputation, and my personal desires for the sake of your kingdom. I trust your promise that whatever I surrender is nothing compared to the manifold blessings you have for me in this life, and the breathtaking reality of eternal life with you. Please let my reward be sure, in Jesus' name, Amen.

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