I was reading Matthew 19:16 -30 for my personal quiet time today (http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/SU_Core/5236.id) and to finish off it asked the reader to reflect on their priorities and anything that might be holding them back from following Jesus wholeheartedly. The passage was about the rich young ruler and Jesus reflection that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter heaven! (incidently, I remember quite vividly my Dad retelling this story as a children's talk and his larger-than-life actions!!) ;)
The part of the passage that really stood out to me though was at the end, and led to my title for this post. It says (Jesus said): "29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother[f] or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. 30 But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first."
A woman from our church is currently on furlough from her post in Yemen and my parents left everything from their life here in Australia to minister in Europe. Almost every week I visit my friend who lives on the campus of a missionary training school. I have so many friends and relatives who have sacrificed plenty for their faith & to be faithful. I too am considering a life of full-time ministry.
Just a few weeks ago I was reflecting on my faith, or lack of it, and how it was influencing my overall wellbeing. I concluded that it was unreasonable of me to expect God to provide for my needs and wants if I was barely even playing lip-service to my relationship with him and resolved to try harder!
But what do we expect from our lives of faith? A pat on the back and a "nice pad" in a heavenly suburb? Recognition for our efforts? To enjoy the fruit of our labours?
Is it really reasonable to expect anything other than admission at the gate?
The passage seems to indicate that whatever we are willing to sacrifice here on earth we will be repaid a hundred-fold in heaven, but it may well not be repayment in a way that our earthly experience would have us expect, and should that even be a consideration when contemplating a sacrificial ministry? And then what to make of Jesus' final statement, that the first shall be last and the last first? Does that mean we strive to come last now, so as to achieve a better "status" in heaven? I also notice that this translation say "many who" rather than all... what to make of this?
I only know that as I consider a life of ministry I am motivated by my desire to bring others into the Kingdom, to build relationships that have the potential to last for etenity, and because no other work seems to satisfy me in quite the same way. I know that I could never be truly happy toiling away in secular work and leaving ministry as a "hobby", and I've only finished my studies six years ago!
At the end of the day I'm just happy that I can call heaven home, that God is preparing a place for me there, and that I will be able to share eternity in the presence of my saviour with many of my closest friends and family members. I also hope that I'll be able to leave something of worth behind, that I will be fondly remembered by those who's lives I may be able to help along the way. I don't intend to leave behind riches, or monuments, or anything really tangible, rather a life lived faithfully for the one who gave it to me.
How about you?
5 comments:
Great reminder to us all darling, especially as we 'run the race for the prize set before us'. I wouldn't have it any other way. Keep on keeping on. Life is an adventure.
My love, Mum xxxx
You are such a gifted writer. You convey what is in my heart, but you say it so beautifully. When time allows, please blog - you have such a gift to share. This post was wonderful.
A very evocative post - really makes you think! :)
It is obvious your faith sustains you. We all hope to leave something of us behind, and yes, it does not have to be anything Big, a life lived in kindness and honesty is just as important.
Very thought provoking. All the best with your decision regarding a sacrificial ministry.
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