I got an e-mail today asking about a unique passage of scripture in Mark 10:28-31.  In the passage Peter says he and the other disciples have given up everything for the call of Christ.  It is really more of a question, “what is the pay off?”.  The person writing me was interested in the first response Jesus gives, 100 times whatever you have given up. (Jerry’s paraphrase)  But it was the combination of answers that captured me.  The second part was, an persecution and then eternal life.

What if the answer is something like this, following Jesus will sometimes take you to the greatest heights.  You will have memories, experiences, and tangible rewards that are too hard to express and count.  And it will cost you memories, experiences, and tangible losses that are too hard to express or count.  But in the end, eternal life.

Well, you know me, I don’t have many answers, I am just like you and searcher, a fellow sojourner, on a life long walk with the author of life.  But I will say, if it cost me everything, and rewarded me nothing, I would still do it.  Because something deep in my heart and soul and everything I have read and learned and studies demonstrates that He is there, and He is good, so I will bet my life on Him! But He is a rewarder of those who seek Him!  So I will hope, as big as the wide world, and I will dream as high as the heavens, and will run and jump for the heavens without fear.  Come with me, lets Expect good things, lets Expect Everything.

Father,

Help me to be ready for whatever reward or persecution that may come my way.  More importantly, help me to reflect you perfectly either in want or in plenty.  Teach me Lord, to live today like eternity, needing nothing but you, and using everything you have given me as a new way to say thanks and I love you.

Thanks, I love you!

Jerry