Matthew 19:29

Jesus said to his disciples, "And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first." I don't think about God's promises very often, especially in regards to my life, but this one has been on my mind a lot since I moved out here to California. In case you were wondering, I have actually arrived where I'm supposed to be and I've settled in quite well. Through a series of events that made it impossible for me to be the typical Miss Independent, I made it to my new home on November 17. Since then, I've spent a lot of time with an incredible organization called VOR- voice of the refugees. I was able to participate in their Thanksgiving celebration the first week I arrived. After the holiday, I began teaching English Mondays-Thursdays. I love my students and over the past month, I have spent quite a bit of time just getting to know them and spending time with them outside of class. Many of my students speak Arabic, but some speak Farsi or Burmese. I have also begun teaching English in Burbank, which is about an hour drive from where I live. I go twice a week and most of my students there are Armenian. The majority are over the age of 40 and the sweetest group of people. All of my students in both locations are very sweet. They all enjoy learning and make an effort, which makes my job so much easier! When I'm not teaching, I have tried to focus on building friendships. Also, I have been working on fitting into the family whom I'm living with. I expected it to be really difficult to make friends moving to a new place, but God has been so very good. This brings me to my meditation on Matthew 19:29. I don't think that this passage necessarily means the "prosperity gospel" idea that seems so prevalent. I also don't think it means that if we follow Christ, we will be loved and adored by everyone and have a million friends. It should actually be quite the opposite. (If we truly follow Christ, the world will hate us, because it does not recognize Christ). I do think this passage is talking about the Church. He is talking to the disciples after his encounter with the Rich Young Ruler. Peter tells Jesus, "We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?" This seems arrogant to me. Jesus responds graciously though. He says, "I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on His glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel." He then goes on to say the bit about leaving houses and family, etc. I'm not a theologian by any means (and if you are, I'd love your insight on this passage!) and I realize this probably has an eschatological meaning, but I feel as though Jesus has compassion on the disciples. He realizes they are sometimes homesick or tired, or just plain grouchy. I have certainly felt all of those emotions since arriving here in California, but I have also experienced the Lord's compassion. He comforts them by reminding them of His ability to give immeasurably more than they could ask. In addition to Jesus' compassion, is a reminder to be humble. Even though the Lord promised the disciples thrones and glory and eternity, he reminds them the first are last and the last are first. The Lord has blessed me far more than I could have imagined. I was able to spend the Christmas weekend with some very dear old friends and some new friends, too. I have been joined in prayer with believers in many languages. I have had opportunities to encourage and be encouraged, serve and be served. The Lord has humbled me in His compassion and His mercy. In receiving these blessings, I am so humbled because I am so far from deserving any of them. I realize that I am unworthy, but the Lord is worthy. I pray that you also would be blessed beyond all expectations and you would know the grace and peace of our Lord. P.S. I'm watching the Passion Conference live this week! You should check it out! http://live.268generation.com/passion_sessions/session-two-2/