LUKE 18:18-24
This is the much loved story of a young man who wants to inherit eternal life and comes to ask Jesus what he must do. I have read this story many times and yesterday when I read it again, another question comes to mind. Notice that Jesus told the young man in v.22 to sell everything he has. I was rather surprised that Jesus asked him to sell everything. I was thinking that it must be very hard for this young man to give up everything all at once to follow Jesus. Would it not be better if Jesus gave him time to do things one at a time? Would it not be easier for the young man to give up his possessions slowly? As I reflect this, I think what Jesus wants is our total (100%) obedience and commitment. We cannot serve 2 masters for we would love one more than the other.
This is a story that has stumbled many too! Many unbelievers find it difficult to give up all that they have for Jesus - already many unbelievers are finding it 'strange' that we give 10% of our earnings for God's kingdom, lest alone ALL. Remember Abraham? He 'gave' his beloved son, Jacob to God too! It's that act of obedience that pleases God. It will always be a struggle to surrender all - but when we are in this situation, think of what God has sacrifice for us. Then all things will pale in comparison to what God has 'surrendered' to us - His only Begotten Son,Jesus.
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I am touch by the verses that follows after this passage:
ReplyDeleteLuke 18:26 Those who heard it said, “Then who can be saved?” 27 But he said, “What is impossible with men is possible with God.”
It can only be brought about by the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.
A pity the young man did not approach Jesus for help. He can't do it on his own.