Mark 10:17-31
This passage is the one where the rich, young ruler comes to Jesus asking Him what He needs to do to inherit eternal life.
I love how the verse in Mark states that "Jesus looked at him and loved him." (v21) Jesus knew what this man's greatest love was and He knew what He was about to tell him would be very difficult for him to hear and do, yet He loved him enough to point out his failure.
Christ told this man that if he wanted eternal life, he must sell all his possessions and give to the poor and follow Him. Christ targeted this man's wealth and possessions because He knew that was hindering him. Unfortunately, the man chose his wealth instead of Christ, and verse 22 states that he went away "sad." Jesus goes on to explain, "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." The more I have on this earth, the more difficult it is to follow Christ.
In Proverbs 30:7-9, Agur prays this prayer,
"Two things I ask of you, O Lord; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and
lies far from me: give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread.
God isn't necessarily asking me to sell all my possessions and give to the poor. What God asks me to give up will differ from someone else. Christ is the best example of someone who gave up everything. He left His throne in heaven to come live on earth for a little while and ultimately die so that by His death and resurrection, I may have life. You won't find a greater example of sacrifice, love, humility, and service than Christ.
What is it that Christ is asking me to give up for Him today? There are many things that can keep me from following Christ....possessions, money, people, busy schedule, etc.
When God asks me to get rid of an obstacle(s) in my life, He's doing it because He loves me and knows what is best, not because He's a killjoy and wants me to be miserable. He knows it will be difficult to do, but He promises to help me if I allow Him.
"For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him. " Philippians 2:13, NIV
"I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
This passage is the one where the rich, young ruler comes to Jesus asking Him what He needs to do to inherit eternal life.
I love how the verse in Mark states that "Jesus looked at him and loved him." (v21) Jesus knew what this man's greatest love was and He knew what He was about to tell him would be very difficult for him to hear and do, yet He loved him enough to point out his failure.
Christ told this man that if he wanted eternal life, he must sell all his possessions and give to the poor and follow Him. Christ targeted this man's wealth and possessions because He knew that was hindering him. Unfortunately, the man chose his wealth instead of Christ, and verse 22 states that he went away "sad." Jesus goes on to explain, "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." The more I have on this earth, the more difficult it is to follow Christ.
In Proverbs 30:7-9, Agur prays this prayer,
"Two things I ask of you, O Lord; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and
lies far from me: give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread.
Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the Lord?' Or I
may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God."
may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God."
God isn't necessarily asking me to sell all my possessions and give to the poor. What God asks me to give up will differ from someone else. Christ is the best example of someone who gave up everything. He left His throne in heaven to come live on earth for a little while and ultimately die so that by His death and resurrection, I may have life. You won't find a greater example of sacrifice, love, humility, and service than Christ.
What is it that Christ is asking me to give up for Him today? There are many things that can keep me from following Christ....possessions, money, people, busy schedule, etc.
"For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him. " Philippians 2:13, NIV
"I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
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