We Can Expect Both

When Peter told the Lord, "Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee" (Mark 10:28), Jesus told him what he could expect in serving Him. "But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions: and in the world to come eternal life" (Mark 10:30).

Christ mentioned that which Peter had given up but Peter would receive blessings surpassing his sacrifice. Of course, this would not be literally true. None could have "mothers," plural. The Lord was expressing the abundance of blessings His followers would receive in this life. But there would also be persecution. They two would go together.

In addition to both blessings and persecutions in this time His followers would have eternal life in the world to come. It is plain that serving Him is more than worthwhile. It is the best life and best result that can ever be.