Matthew 19:16-23.
I have often read this passage and thought would it be so hard to “sell it all” to totally cut loose everything that captures us and holds us to this world and follow Jesus without regard to our comfort and earthly possessions?
We tend to read this and make more about the money than Jesus intended. Much like the false doctrines that have infiltrated the churches today, Money is lifted up and majored on. However, I don’t want to focus on the matter of money, but rather on what Jesus was truly demanding of this young man. He was giving him the opportunity to take part in His ministry; He was giving him the opportunity to turn his back on the worldly things and to be truly “sold out” to Jesus.
We cry out for God to use us, to fulfill our calling to open doors of opportunity, but in the moment when Jesus asks us to leave it all behind, stand on the edge of the cliff of no return and without regard for the things of this world leap into a adventurous walk with Jesus, we turn around to see what we are leaving and the pull to withdraw overtakes us.
God will not use you in power until you are dead! Brother Leonard Ravenhill said this and it is true. Until we let go of everything, until we cast off everything that so easily entangles our devotions, until we have truly been crucified with Christ we will never know the sweet communion that comes from abandoning all to the Master.
Sure it is easier said they done, but let me remind you this life is a dress rehearsal for eternity. TO be eternally minded is to NOT love this world and the things of this world but to know that our reward, our treasure lies in heaven. Lord, make me ready to give it all away.
Awesome blog brother! really makes you think about all the things we really need to do to grow spiritually, and your right its not all about the money. Lots of other stuff we dont want to give up as well.
ReplyDeleteAmen Keith! If we die with Him, we shall also reign with Him. To Him belongs all the wisdom of the ages, all glory, all honor, and all the power! It is one thing to say it, and yet another entirely to do it. May we walk as HE walked and see His Word fulfilled through our lives and our actions. To God alone be the glory (J.S.Bach)!
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