jesus: a man of his word
"Everyone who has given up home, brothers or sisters, father or mother, wife or children or property for My sake will receive many times as much and inherit everlasting life." —Matthew 19:29
Fifteen years ago, my family and I did exactly what the above verse says. We realized that God was calling us to move to Cincinnati to serve Him in Presentation Ministries, sold our home and property, and left behind everything we knew for His sake (Mt 19:29). We "put everything aside to follow" Jesus (Mt 19:27). On occasion, we "were completely overwhelmed" (Mt 19:25), but we learned beyond all doubt that "for God all things are possible" (Mt 19:26). We have received "many times" more from Him than we have ever given up for Him (Mt 19:29).
Jesus is a Man of His word. His promises are more solid than the hardest rock (see 2 Cor 1:20). He often requires you to step out in faith and "put out into the deep" without seeing any tangible means of support. However, when Jesus makes you a promise, He says: "I give you My solemn word" (Mt 19:28).
"Walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Cor 5:7). Take Jesus at His word. Stand on His word. Then act on His word (Jas 1:22). When you act on His word, you are standing on rock (Mt 7:24), and you will be blest in whatever you do (Jas 1:25).
Prayer: Jesus, You are the Living Word. I stake my life on every word You speak (Mt 4:4).
Promise: "The Lord is with you, O champion!" —Jgs 6:12
Praise: St. Stephen, the first Christian king of Hungary, "put everything aside to follow" Jesus by uniting Hungary and establishing Christianity as the nation's religion.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.) (Act on Jesus' word by helping others through the Bible. For encouragement, order our series on Biblical Counseling on audio AV 13A-1, AV 13A-3, AV 13B-1 or video starting with V-13A.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 8, 2005
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