I ran out of time for this yesterday while preaching on Mark 10:17-31 under the theme "Life's Most Important Question." The message involved making sure you answer the question that is more important than any: Where will you spend eternity?

In the text Jesus was trying to prepare people for eternity. But he also prepared people who were trusting in the Messiah for what to expect along the road. In this entry I am referring to v. 28-31. It's probably worth a read.

"If I answer Life's Most Important Question correctly, all should be well." That makes sense, of course, but it's not true. What should we really expect along the road to eternity? This is what Jesus said, paraphrased, with my commentary:
Peter's claim: We've left everything! [That should go well for us!]
Jesus' promise: You will receive 100-fold blessings now! [Good news!] and in eternity [Yes!]
Jesus spoils his promise: "Along with persecutions." [I wasn't ready for that one.]

We do people a disservice when we tell people- or at least imply- that after one comes to faith in Christ all will be well. It's simply not true, and our mis-information may well derail their faith when trials and tempations come.

What should we expect along the road? Manifold blessings- and persecutions. As God says in 2 Timothy 3:12- Indeed, all those who desire to live Godly in Christ Jesus shall be persecuted. That's what you should expect.

This isn't to take away from the joy that God promises. Indeed, one of the great  benefits of following Christ is that in every circumstance- including trials and persecution- you can find joy. It's not that the situation is pleasureable, but knowing that you have an eternity secure in Christ makes you see those trials in their proper perspective.

The Chrisitian life is not something to be endured so you can get to eternity. In your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forever (Psalm 16:11). Rather, it is something to be lived- in circumstances easy or difficult- in abiding joy.

What to expect on the road to eternity? 100-fold blessings, and persecutions. All of which are to be received with a faithful trust in God's provision- a faithful trust that will produce great joy.

Go serve your King,
PW