JESUS ON JUDGMENT

Living with the End in View involves
Continuing with Jesus

But you are those who have continued with Me in My trials. And I bestow upon you a kingdom, just as My Father bestowed one upon Me, that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. (Luke 22:28–30)

This is a rare instance where Christ renders a favorable judgment upon living persons.

Note why Jesus favored His disciples. He did not say, “Because you are Christians, you will get a kingdom.” He addressed them as “those who have continued with Me in My trials.” They had continued with their Master in spite of many sufferings. Clearly, Jesus considered perseverance through hardships as a favored trait for those who desire the kingdom.

The disciples, who were promised a place in the kingdom, certainly had their share of weaknesses. Peter rebuked Jesus; James and John wanted to call fire out of heaven to destroy a city; the disciples argued over who would be greatest in the kingdom; and they tried to keep others from baptizing because the others did not accompany them. Imperfections will not prevent us from entering the kingdom.

In bestowing His judgment, Jesus did not point out how perfect they were in their spiritual lives, but how they kept following Him! Jesus employs imperfect, even foolish persons, in His work. He does so with the supreme confidence that His power and love will win us over and change us as we labor for Him. Our aim is to keep following Him, trusting Him to take care of our weaknesses.

The seed sown in good ground bears much fruit with patience (Luke 8:15). Our trials expose whether we’ll continue with the Lord in patience, or leave because it’s too hard. As we see in today’s verses, the Lord will reward perseverance.

Living with the end in view means to continue with Jesus through hard times.

Steps of faith:
Look for promises that encourage you to continue with Christ.
Study the lives of biblical characters (Abraham, Moses, Joseph, Daniel) whose steadfast characters were formed in adversity.

--Steve Husting