“Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or farms, for My sake and for the gospel’s sake, but that he will receive a hundred times as much now in the present age … and in the age to come, eternal life.” 
—Mark 10:29-30, NASB

Reflection 

Because of family issues and faith in Jesus, there are times when following Him brings separation, rejection, and deep pain. Yet comfort is brought to the heart as we read the words of Yeshua HaMashiach from the Gospel of Mark: no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for Him and the Gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age, and in the age to come, eternal life. 

That promise is personal. That promise is for the one who has suffered loss because of Jesus. And there is more comfort in His words: Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Him. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven. 

Faith in Yeshua can cause, and continue to cause, divisions and separation between family members and us. Though these things hurt, they should not surprise us, because we know from the Scriptures that the world would hate us simply because we took a stand for Jesus. Jesus said, They will make you outcasts from the synagogue. 

Since receiving Jesus, many have faced, and withstood, significant rejection and hostility from family and community, but faith can remain strong. We must consider it a privilege and an honor when we are persecuted and rejected for the sake of Jesus. Though it is sometimes hard and painful to experience these breaks with family and friends, it is also a joy because God’s presence becomes very near to us during these times. 

Many are in bondage to the fear of man. They are afraid to witness for God, to stand out, to speak up, and are controlled by their fear of being rejected by people. The Bible says that the fear of man is a snare. The fear of man will definitely keep us from God. If we are controlled by a desire to be accepted and liked, we will not be able to continue on with Jesus. 

If we are to fully lay hold of God, we must not allow our desire to be liked and accepted by others, or our fear of being persecuted or rejected, keep us from fully following Jesus. God will strengthen us in the midst of all persecution and trials. 

Application 

• Ask the Father to expose any fear of man that is keeping you from witnessing, standing out, speaking up, or fully following Jesus.  

• When rejection comes because of Yeshua, remember His promise: great is your reward in heaven, and God’s presence becomes very near.  

Prayer 

Father, continue to reveal Your Son to us, and do not let any fear stand in the way of following Him. Jesus, You said that You have revealed the Father’s name to Your children, and that You will continue to reveal it. Continue to reveal Yourself to us. Give us the strength and courage to follow after You without allowing fear to keep us from You. Strengthen us in the midst of all persecution and trials.