(Part 3 of a sermon on Luke 18:18-30)
Following the Kingdom’s King (vv.28-30)
The disciples who have left everything in order to follow the Lord for the sake of God’s kingdom receive commendation from the Lord. For in reality, following Christ and giving up everything for His kingdom is the essence of the Christian life. And Christ promises that those who paid the price can expect many times as much blessing both in this world and in the world to come, including eternal life.
If you have left parents, brothers and sisters for the sake of God’s kingdom you will gain many times as much as you have lost. If you have left a promising career to serve the Lord in a far away place so that He may be known there you will obtain many times as much as you have lost. If you have given up something which is temporary – may it be money, social status, or fame – for something eternal, such as laboring for God’s kingdom, knowing and enjoying God, working or praying for the salvation of the elect, and discipling the nations, you will gain more than what you have given up.
Our missionary friends who left their homes, their friends and their promising career or high paying jobs have gained many homes and friends in this life. They have experienced exceeding joy in serving the Lord and His people in other lands. God never fails to fulfill His promises to those who count the cost to obey and serve Him. For God grants His kingdom and everything that goes with it, including eternal life, to those who faithfully follow Christ, God’s Anointed King and our Lord.
Let us therefore press on and serve our Lord and King Jesus Christ, counting everything as nothing compared to Him and to His promises of eternal life and treasure in heaven. Let us think of how we can serve God better and obey Him all the more this week and every day of our lives. May He find us faithful in trusting Him daily. To Him be all the glory! Amen.
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