" Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me." (Luke 18:22)
Greetings. What is your reaction when you read this? A vow of poverty? Walkng in financial lack? That is what religion and tradition teaches us, but when you look at this in its content, you will find quite the contrary. A rich young ruler approached Jesus asking about how to obtain eternal life. He boasted that he had kept all the precepts of the law, but he had one thing that he needed to overcome. He was attached to his riches.
Friends, it you read the accounts of Luke 18:18-30 and Mark 10:17-30, you will find a clear cut view of what Jesus was talking about. He was, not, against riches but on the contrary, he was seeking to bless the young ruler with more than what he had. Many would quote the example of a camel going through the eye of the needle to condemn riches, but upon careful inspection of the word, we find that he adds more to this saying. Jesus says that those that trust in riches will have a hard time entering into the kingdom of God. (Mark 10:24)
Again, it is not a sin to be rich, but when you trust in riches or materials things more than God, you get into trouble. God wants to be our provider. Thank God for our jobs! Thank God for our health care! Thank God for our savings and investments, but they are not our source--God is! This man was very rich and the thought of him leaving it all to follow Jesus was too much for him. But notice what Jesus was prepared to offer him----
"And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life."
(Mark 10:229-30)
Notice that he includes houses and lands and promises a hundredfold return now in this time. A hundredfold is a big number. When you leave the security of your job or your investments, God promises to take care of you! Now, do not misunderstand me. I am not saying you should give away all your money or leave your job. God can use your job as your ministry, but there may be some reading this that are sensing the call to ministry. You may be battling leaving your job to start a church.
It may be a change of careers. It may be that the Lord may want you to give a big amount of money to help some missions or ministry. Remember, every one of us has a calling. It is up to us to fulfill that calling that God has on our lives. So, in this day, ask yourself---Am I'm doing what God requires me to do? It's not only money, but it can be time, also. Time to help out in the church.
Time to spend with your family. Families have been split apart because many are working 24/7 in the church, meanwhile, their home is going to hell. We, all, have a responsibility in our walk with the Lord. Take some time to ask the Lord to examine your heart and follow him. As we respond, we will see his rewards and believe me, you cannot go wrong with his plan for your life. It's benefits are out of this world. God bless!
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