Mark 10:17-22Jesus Counsels the Rich Young Ruler
17 Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?”
18 So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. 19 You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’” 20 And he answered and said to Him, “Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth.” 21 Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.” 22 But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
You know, it's easy to understand why the Rich Young Ruler walked away - obviously because he didn't want to part with his riches...but it does make me wonder about what Jesus asked him to do
He told him to sell his possessions, give it to the poor and follow Him...what's wrong with that? After all, Jesus NEVER asked him to stop being a RULER! He never asked him for his riches, just his possessions...hmmm
I believe when Jesus challenges us to give, many of us overreact - we feel as though Jesus is asking us to take a vow of poverty and that's not true at all...Jesus is simply after things that keep us from Him...you see, the possessions had a grip on his life, not his position or his riches.
This man didn't become rich or a ruler because of his possessions...that's not the problem...the problems started when he took the riches that God blessed him with, and begin to purchase things in the name of self image and prestige...this caused this young man's heart to be contrary to the voice of God...
O, didn't I tell you? The rich young ruler was a bona fide believer! He adhered to the 10 Commandments from his youth! The possessions however, challenged his faith - this is what Jesus was after...He's also challenging you and I to do the same thing...when our investments go awry...see, your investments reflect the condition of your heart...Jesus will ask for it EVERY TIME because He knows that once He's lost your HEART - your FAITH will eventually follow...
Sell you possessions, give to the poor, follow Jesus, and you'll know what it is to have true treasures
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