SCRIPTURE:
“Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth. Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!”
Mark 10:21-23
OBSERVATION:
The rich young man asks Jesus about eternal life, certainly feeling as if the answer will be an easy one to walk out, seeing as he has followed the commandments. Yet Jesus hits him where it hurts – his pocketbook. To look beyond the riches of this world.
APPLICATION:
Often times the challenges to focus on the Kingdom will not be found in lack, but rather in abundance. When times are tough, we pray more, we seek God out more and we desperately seek the Kingdom. However, when things are going well, we tend to focus on the here and now, rather than our citizenship in Heaven.
The pull and draw of what this world has to offer us in the present moment can be alluring if we aren’t careful. We can trust more in our “riches” as the young man did, instead of the riches that The Lord has for us beyond this world. We must do as the Psalmist said:
“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” – Psalm 20:7
Having things isn’t the issue. It’s not a matter of how much or how little you have, it’s a matter of your heart and what or who has it:
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:19-21
Thankfully, we find some answers further down on what we can do:
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6:33
In everything I do, regardless of how much or how little I have, I must seek FIRST His Kingdom above all else.
PRAYER:
Father Almighty. Forgive me Lord for times when I have sought the things of this world above You. Thank You Lord that You continue to speak. May I seek first Your Kingdom in everything that I do, this I pray, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Amen
