A "bonanza" is defined as an "an exceptionally large and rich mineral deposit" or "a situation from which large profits are made." In becoming a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, and living a godly life for him, there is promised a true and lasting bonanza. That is what the above text tells us. Yes, there is a little profit in bodily exercise, and in some other earthly pursuits. But, the profits that come from being a Christian are superlatively lucrative, being a great return on the investment. "Godliness" is "profitable unto all things." There is no limit to the profits of living a godly life. It yields great rewards for both the present life and for the coming life in eternity; a great bonanza of blessings indeed. Jesus said something similar to Peter and the other disciples when Peter began to count the cost of following Christ. So we read:
"Then Peter said, “See, we have left all and followed You.” So He said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or parents or brothers or wife or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who shall not receive many times more in this present time, and in the age to come eternal life.” (Luke 18: 28-30 nkjv)
Peter thought of what he had invested in his decision to follow Christ, and of what it cost him. He wondered what kind of return he would get for it. Jesus assured him that he would reap "many times more" from his investment, bringing a bonanza of blessings "in this present time and in the age to come" as well. Jesus did speak of "counting the cost" when it comes to deciding to follow Christ. Wrote Luke:
"25 Now great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them, 26 “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. 27 And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. 28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it— 29 lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, 30 saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish’? 31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? 32 Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace. 33 So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple." (Luke 14: 25-33 nkjv)
Notice the words "count the cost." What "cost"? 1) Having friends and family shun you for deciding to follow Christ, and 2) hating (rejecting) not only one's family but one's own life, and 3) bearing the cross of shame and reproach, and 4) forsaking all to be Christ's disciple. So, what do we judge to be the outcome of this "cost-benefits analysis"? We see what it may cost us. What will it benefit us? Some sadly judge the cost too high, and don't have faith in profiting by the expenditure. Thankfully, others see that the profits far surpass the cost. Recall these words of our Lord:
"For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Matt. 16: 26 nkjv)
Here Christ calls upon all to consider the cost of choosing not to follow him. You may gain the whole world, but you will eternally lose your soul. Friend, make the right choice. Choose Christ and godliness and you will find a true bonanza that will be an eternal residual profit. What following Christ may cost you now is little compared to what profit you will receive now and forever.
2 comments:
I should add these passages:
“Ho! Everyone who thirsts,
Come to the waters;
And you who have no money,
Come, buy and eat.
Yes, come, buy wine and milk
Without money and without price.
Why do you [a]spend money for what is not bread,
And your wages for what does not satisfy?
Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good,
And let your soul delight itself in abundance.
Incline your ear, and come to Me." (Isaiah 55: 1-3)
"Buy the truth, and do not sell it, Also wisdom and instruction and understanding." (Prove. 23: 3)
Some might think that this is all wrong because it suggests that people should become Christians for mercenary reasons. But, that is not true. The texts cited do tell us that we will be richly rewarded, or receive a great harvest, for our labor in sowing and following Christ.
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