THE RICH MAN WHO WAS POOR
Luke 18:18-22
To this famous question, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” our common reply is “through faith in God.” But when Jesus heard that question addressed to Him, He looked beyond it and looked at the heart of the one who asked. Jesus perceived that the man wanted to hang on to his riches (18:23), so He challenged him to give up what he valued most in order to gain what is beyond earthly value. Sell everything you have and give to the poor.”
The ruler’s riches came in the way of gaining eternal life. Albert Schweitzer said, “If you have something you can’t do without, you don’t own it; it owns you.” As a result of materialistic sickness, the rich ruler was unable to give God first place in his heart. Christ never wants to settle for second place. If He cannot have first place, He has no place in any person’s heart.
It’s not a problem to be rich. It’s not even wrong to be successful and prosperous. What’s wrong is when we cannot part with what we own, in exchange for being part of God’s own people. What’s wrong is when we would rather be temporarily rich on earth than eternally rich in Christ. The best things in life aren’t things.
Meditation:
Do you still have things on your own that own you? Decide to put them down at the feet of Jesus. Commit to not allow earthly possessions to gain a foothold in your life.
Prayer:
Our good God, what I have to give to You. Who I am, I bring to You. What I dream, I yield to You. Who I wish to become, I offer to You.
