July 21

Count the Cost

Peter spoke up, “We have left everything to follow you!” (Mark 10:28).

Scripture: Mark 10:28-31

Song: “I’ll Go Where You Want Me to Go”

Some people leave nearly everything behind to follow Christ onto a foreign mission field. In fact, history tells of some missionaries who packed their meager belongings in coffins, so they’d have a proper burial on the mission field. They planned never to return home. After all, they might say, “Jesus said to go into all the world, but He never said anything about coming back.”

But Jesus did speak of the wonderful reward coming to those who left homes, families, and fields behind for the sake of the gospel. He said that “in this present age”(v. 30) they would receive a hundred times as much in homes, families, and fields.

I think that means new territories and souls conquered for Christ—new Christians, new churches planted, new friendships in the far-flung family of God. However, Jesus added, “along with persecutions” (v. 30). We see that happening all around the world today. But we also see an amazing explosion of conversions, in spite of the persecution. Truly, the gates of Hell cannot prevail against the church.

And the ultimate reward for those who venture forth for Christ? Consider this: “and in the age to come eternal life” (v. 30). It pays to serve Jesus.

Lord, I ask Your blessing upon every faithful missionary who has left all to follow You. Inspire and raise up many more to follow them to places and peoples who long to know Your love. And push me, too, right out among my neighbors! In Christ, amen.