Following Christ and Reigning with Him
"Then answered Peter and said unto Him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed Thee; what shall we have therefore?
"And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed Me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man shall sit in the throne of His glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel" (Mat_19:27-28).
There came a day in the life of Peter, the fisherman, when Christ said unto him, "Follow Me". Immediately, he left his net; he left his father; he left his all, and followed Him. There were times after this, when Peter failed the Lord. Once he went so far as to say, "I know not the Man". Such times, however, were but little "eddies" in his life. The great current of his discipleship, was one of absolute fidelity to Christ.
Others of the Twelve left their nets, or some other occupation. They followed Jesus in the way. They were with Him in His sufferings and deprivations.
Jesus Christ promised these disciples a part in His early reign. They were to sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
What was promised the disciples is likewise promised, in substance, to all of those who follow fully in His sufferings. The Bible says: "If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him".
Our abundant entrance into the Millennial reign of Christ upon the earth; our position in the earth-service of that reign, is dependent upon our following Christ here and now. The one who had gained ten talents was given authority over ten cities.
We need not doubt the propriety of daily serving Christ, with Millennial rewards in view. Such rewards are a true incentive to fidelity. Our Lord endured the Cross, despising the shame, because of the joy that was set before Him.
Abraham looked for a city whose Builder and Maker was God. Moses had respect unto the recompense of reward. Paul said, "There is laid by for me a crown of righteousness". So let us keep before us also, the wonderful rewards that Christ will bring with Him, when He comes again.
Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR