Then Peter answered and said to Him, “See, we have left all and followed You. Therefore what shall we have?” So Jesus said to them, “Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first. Matthew 19:27-30
To be sure, God is a God of order. We can read in our text today that there is a certainty that those who give up freely all things now, will assuredly have some type of reward later when the millennial reign of Christ on the earth is established. Should that be the only reason for sacrificing all things today, in this life? What am I living for? Well the answer to these two questions have to begin with the kind of relationship you have with Christ. Earlier in the text in regards to the rich young ruler, Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” (Matthew 19:21) Jesus was not setting forth terms for salvation, but rather exposing the heart of this young man’s true love. He loved the things of this world more than Jesus Christ. Now Peter here in our text, points out that they have already done what Christ demanded of the rich young ruler. That they had embarked on a life of faith with Christ. Note that Jesus did not rebuke Peter for his expectation of reward. The Bible points out that God is able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, (Ephesians 3:20) meaning God’s power working in and through believers is unlimited and far beyond their comprehension. There is a certain expectation when I take all things to the Lord in prayer. I give him my burdens, and He gives me His peace. I don’t have to worry needlessly about how am I going to get this done or that done, because I already know God is aware these things too. He tells us not to worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? (Matthew 6:25-27). Last I checked, birds of the air were not created in God’s image, man was. Meaning God has very distinct plans for your life, and if you would but follow after and obey His Word, you can know for certain, that whatever I accumulate in this life, allbeit earthly goods, It is meant to be used to glorify God. Earthly wealth is meant to be used by the Christian to store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not corrupt. Read Matthew 6:19-24.
Regeneration—Here in our text the term does not carry its normal theological meaning of personal regeneration (Titus 3:5). Instead, Jesus was speaking of “the times of restoration of all things, which God had spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began: Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before, whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began. (Acts 3:19-21). This awesome prophetic Scripture was spoken out of the mouth of Peter, who had been filled and empowered by the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, where God was founding His church. The discriptions are given to the coming era of the millennial kingdom. This is clear to us because they bracket the reference to Jesus Christ being sent from God to bring those times ordained by the Father. The Holy Spirit spoke through Peter, Christ’s future earthly reign, where this period of time future to us will be marked by blessings and renewal. You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, Who has dealt wonderously with you; And My people shall never be put shame. Then you shall know that I am in the midst of Israel: I am the Lord your God and there is no other. My people shall never be put to shame. (Joel 2:26-27) This awesome prophecy again makes us aware of a returned promise of the Lord. Note twice he spoke that God’s people shall never be put to shame.
First will be last, and the last first—This could be referencing to Israel, to the Jewish nation whom the gospel was preached to first. The apostle Paul said, “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek (Gentile)” (Romans 1:16). God chose Israel to be His witness nation (Exodus 19:6) and gave her distinct privileges. Christ’s ministry was first to Israel (Matthew 15:24), and it was through Israel that salvation was to come to the world (John 4:22).
Beloved friend, We have learned much from our text concerning God’s revealed plan for those who have placed their lives into His care. We don’t have to fear what this world should fear. God’s redemptive plan of salvation assures us that we will be with Him when comes again to reign on this earth. We shouldn’t be afraid to let go of our earthly possessions in serving our Lord, He is more than capable of replacing anything, and for sure any human relationship we give up for His kingdom’s sake, will not lose it’s reward. Let us go forth now, and serve our soon coming King!
May the Lord bless Your walk with Him!
