May 23, 2023

Matthew 19: 29 “And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.” (NIV)

What we invest in is precious to us.*

If your banker told you of an investment that was paying a hundred times more than you put into it, how much of your money would you be willing to invest? Perhaps you don’t completely trust the banker or the offer so you approach with caution. But what if Jesus tells you to give him everything you have and he will pay back a hundred times over?

When Jesus promises that we will receive a hundred times as much as we gave up, of course he doesn’t mean that we will someday find ourselves the proud recipient of 100 mothers or children or fields. His point is that it is impossible to give more to God than he gives back to us.* We understand that we may have to wait patiently before we can claim the heavenly return on our investment, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy some benefits here and now. In rare instances, as with Job, someone might reap an earthly reward for his sacrifice; but we will all be the recipients of regular payments of joy, peace, and contentment; constant awareness of God’s love and presence; and daily provision for our needs. Oh, and then our inheritance – eternal life.

When you invest in Heaven it will multiply in value.*