The Word Ahead of the World
Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. ––Luke 6: 20-23
Here’s a scenario for you: You were able to buy tickets to go see your favorite band—despite following them for 20 years, you’ve never been able to see them. Either shows were sold out, you were out of town, or something else always managed to come up. Now it’s your turn, and you’ve had the date circled on your calendar for eight months.
The afternoon of the concert your brother—who lives one state away—calls in crisis. He’s just found out his wife has been having an affair. He’s absolutely crushed. He’s asked you to drive out immediately to stay with him for a few days to help him navigate the crisis.
What do you do?
No judgment here—and I’m not going to suggest what you should do. Just think about it. (It’s a tough one for me, even. Leave after the concert? In the morning? Right now?)
Situations are different—but the exercise is the key. God’s men need to consider priorities like this ahead of time, not at the time. Also, God’s not keeping score.
In fact, it would be a mistake to think that slaying a giant, crossing a river, being killed as a martyr, or calling down fire is all that garners God’s attention. The Bible makes it clear that any decision to put God’s agenda ahead of yours, ahead of money, ahead of feelings, titles, and desires pleases God.
The Word ahead of the world, the gospel ahead of gurus, self-sacrifice over selfishness, relationships over busyness, these are also the risks that are recognized, recorded, and rewarded by God. The Bible says that any loss related to these risks taken for Him and His purposes — whether literal, emotional, relational, circumstantial, financial, or whatever — all will be compensated in full by God.
Jesus made sure to get His guys ready for living a life shaped by risk early in the game. Living as God’s men would involve sacrifice. But Jesus wanted to make triple-dog sure that His guys had His official guarantee: the score would be settled—and they would be settled—and they would be elated at the return. They would be called to risk and put their lives to risk for the kingdom.
Father, there is no end to Your reward; thank You for Your perfect love.