Matthew 8:18–22 (NKJV)
18 And when Jesus saw great multitudes about Him, He gave a command to depart to the other side.
19 Then a certain scribe came and said to Him, “Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go.”
20 And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.”
21 Then another of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.”
22 But Jesus said to him, “Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead.”
Many will follow Jesus until they realize there is cost. Many will come to Jesus because of what they can get out of Him. Many have no clue what the Christian faith is about. Many professions of faith in Jesus are so shallow that when the first bad situation is faced, they turn tail and run.
Being a follower of Christ demands giving up the sinfulness of the world to take on the righteousness of Christ. Jesus said in Luke 9:23 “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” The rewards of following Christ are eternal.
Being a follower of Christ is more than just saying a prayer. It is giving your self to God. It is giving control of your life to God.
What are the earthly rewards of accepting Christ”?
· Peace (John 14:27)
· Purpose and direction (Proverbs 3:5-6; 16:1-4)
· Community and fellowship (Hebrews 10:24-25; 1 John 1:7)
· Personal growth (2 Peter 3:18)
· Eternal perspective (2 Corinthians 4:18)
No name it and claim it here. No promises of earthly wealth. All we can give are the promises of God found in the Bible. And friends they are enough.