The Challenge and the Choice

Jesus and the Rich Young Ruler
courtesy Photobucket.com

 

Today I gleaned from our Pastor Jerry's sermon where he was reading from Mark 10:17-30 about the rich young ruler who wanted to know what he must do to obtain Eternal Life. 

The ruler proclaimed that he had kept the Law, but Jesus told him, “One thing you lack; go and sell all you have and give to the poor and follow me.”  The man was much grieved for he was very rich, and he went away sorrowful.  Yet Jesus loved him, but allowed him to walk away !!

Because of his wealth, the ruler was subject to temptation.  Perhaps he cheated on his taxes to Caesar, or took advantage of his customers to profit himself.  Jesus could see that something was missing.  The ruler hoped to buy eternal life, which cannot be purchased.

Pastor said this story is often used on Stewardship Sunday but it seldom works.

What would happen if we took this literally and everyone sold all and gave to the poor?

Did Jesus want us to discover where our priorities are?  Where is our LOVE?  Money is not the root of all evil, but the Love of money is what we must avoid. 

Following Jesus often calls for a radical change; are we willing to give up power and privilege to follow God’s will?  What is Jesus really asking?

If we have worked hard, saved and put away money for our old age, and give it all away we might find ourselves out on the street with the (other) homeless and the hungry.  Yet with our money we can also do much good for others, by budgeting amounts for our church, the poor, the orphans, and special needs and still have enough for our livelihood. 

By all standards, Jesus was homeless as he had nowhere to lay his head.  The ruler had wealth, yet he sought out this intenerate preacher to ask about the Kingdom of Heaven.

We must understand that Salvation can not be purchased with money or by good works.  Knowing that we must discover what Jesus was teaching in this story.

Mark 10:24 And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, “Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God!

Jesus wanted us to NOT trust in riches, but to use them wisely for the Lord.  Keep your love and vision focused on Jesus FIRST in your life, and all else will be added unto you.

Babies are born with hands clinched, and when we die, our hands open. 

 

We must not hold on to “things,” but to be willing to live with open hands and open hearts.

 

This post is Linked with Charlotte’s Spiritual Sundays

And with Michelle’s Hear it on Sunday Use it on Monday