Worldly Gains And Following Jesus

Then they began to argue among themselves about who would be the greatest among them. (Luke 22:24 NLT)

When the apostles first joined Jesus, they were looking for worldly gains. They hope that they will become somebody great. James and John wanted to be seated at His left and right hand (Mark 10:35-45, Matthew 20.20-28). Instead, Jesus was crucified.

To their credit, the apostles were transformed after seeing the resurrected Christ. They were no longer self-seeking individuals. Instead, they were all martyred for their faith, looking forward to the city that is to come (Hebrews 13:14) looking forward to cast their crowns before the Saviour (Revelation 4:9-11).

Would you continue to follow Jesus if you do not get health and wealth in this life? Or are you looking forward to the city that is to come?

Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights. (Habakkuk 3:17-19 NIV)

For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. (Hebrews 13:14 ESV)

Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor, and thanks to the one seated on the throne, the one who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before the one seated on the throne and worship the one who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne and say, Our Lord and God, you are worthy to receive glory and honor and power, because you have created all things, and by your will they exist and were created. (Revelation 4:9-11 CSB)