“And when he was gone out on the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do, that I may possess eternal life? Jesus said to him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, even God. Thou knowest the commandments, Thou shalt not commit adultery. Thou shalt not kill. Thou shalt not steal. Thou shalt not bear false witness. Thou shalt hurt no man. Honor thy father and mother. Then he answered, and said to him, Master, all these things have I observed from my youth. And Jesus looked upon him, and loved him, and said unto him, One thing is lacking unto thee. Go and sell all that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven, and come, follow me, and take up the cross. But he was sad at that saying, and went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.” Mark 10:17-22, 1599 Geneva Bible (Emphasis Added)
We see in this passage of Scripture a man coming to Jesus to ask about what is necessary for salvation and Jesus responding to this question. What a great question to ask the Messiah whom God the Father foretold would come and bring salvation to man! This is a vital question for every man because it tells how to escape judgment and be restored into a right relationship with God. This should have been a joyous moment for the man.
However, we see at the end of the passage, the man did not respond to Jesus’ answer with delight, but instead with sorrow. Why? Because he loved his wealth. To put it bluntly, he loved his possessions more than God. Think about it. He left sad at the thought that Jesus had told him to sell what he had to gain eternal rewards. Jesus exposed this man’s love for material riches.
And what would he have gained with obeying Christ in this? Eternity in heaven, sweet communion with God, peace and so much more. He would have gained a treasure which he could never lose and which is far more valuable than all the riches in the world. Which of these two is the greater possession?
We can look at this gentleman and think him foolish, but let me pose a question to you, reader: Is there anything you would even hesitate to let go of if the Lord would ask it of you? What if you needed to give up your home, your job, your freedom, some leisure activity perhaps? Are you willing to truly forsake everything and follow Him, even unto death if necessary?
Jesus tells us to count the cost. The cost is indeed great, but I also know the trade-off is infinitely better. Let go of anything that would put a wedge between you and God and pursue Him passionately. He is worth it all
We see in this passage of Scripture a man coming to Jesus to ask about what is necessary for salvation and Jesus responding to this question. What a great question to ask the Messiah whom God the Father foretold would come and bring salvation to man! This is a vital question for every man because it tells how to escape judgment and be restored into a right relationship with God. This should have been a joyous moment for the man.
However, we see at the end of the passage, the man did not respond to Jesus’ answer with delight, but instead with sorrow. Why? Because he loved his wealth. To put it bluntly, he loved his possessions more than God. Think about it. He left sad at the thought that Jesus had told him to sell what he had to gain eternal rewards. Jesus exposed this man’s love for material riches.
And what would he have gained with obeying Christ in this? Eternity in heaven, sweet communion with God, peace and so much more. He would have gained a treasure which he could never lose and which is far more valuable than all the riches in the world. Which of these two is the greater possession?
We can look at this gentleman and think him foolish, but let me pose a question to you, reader: Is there anything you would even hesitate to let go of if the Lord would ask it of you? What if you needed to give up your home, your job, your freedom, some leisure activity perhaps? Are you willing to truly forsake everything and follow Him, even unto death if necessary?
Jesus tells us to count the cost. The cost is indeed great, but I also know the trade-off is infinitely better. Let go of anything that would put a wedge between you and God and pursue Him passionately. He is worth it all
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