Matthew 19:21-22 (MSG) "If you want to give it all you've
got," Jesus replied, "go sell your possessions; give everything to
the poor. All your wealth will then be in heaven. Then come follow me."
That was the last thing the young man expected to hear. And so, crest-fallen,
he walked away. He was holding on tight to a lot of things, and he couldn't
bear to let go.
We often look at the young man in this story with a judgmental eye,
thinking that we would never let wealth stand in our way of following Jesus –
especially if He was standing right in front of us! The deal is, Jesus knew
that was the one thing that the man would put in front of Him. He knew that
when push came to shove, wealth and power would come before a choice to stand
for Him. Jesus just let the man choose upfront before he started following. If
you consider yourself a follower now, what is it that you would cling to if
Jesus said to let it go? What is it that divides your heart? Are you someone
who would easily sell all your possessions and give to the poor, yet you still
hold on to the hurt and unforgiveness toward someone who did you wrong? Do you
easily forgive in situations where it’s called for, but put relationships with
family and friends before following Jesus? Are you someone who has prioritized
possessions, forgiveness and relationships appropriately in line with Jesus,
but hold on to fear and insecurity instead of stepping boldly into the mission
Jesus has for you? Put yourself back in that story. What is it Jesus would ask
you to sacrifice to follow Him? Know this – He IS asking! Are you willing?
Father, I can’t imagine the sacrifice that You made in allowing Jesus
to be the sacrifice for me. His willingness to follow Your will above His own
for my benefit should motivate me to live more boldly for Him. Help me to see
what’s in m way and give me the courage to let go! I love You! Amen
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