Jesus looked at him [the rich young man] and loved him. He had asked Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life. "Keep the law," Jesus said. He meant the Ten Commandments.
"I've kept these since I was a boy," the young man said. But the law couldn't save him or anyone else. Jesus knew that.
He said, "One thing you lack. Go and sell everything you have and give to the poor. You will have treasure in heaven." If he did this, he would be dependent on God, not his wealth. While he thought he was good and religious, he actually failed on the first of the commandments. His wealth was his god and he walked away sad, not willing to give up earthly treasure for eternity's gain.
"I tell you the truth," Jesus said, "no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age and in the age to come, eternal life."
The Bible leaves the story at this point, but I want to believe that the rich young man considered what Jesus said and decided to sell all he had, give to the poor and inherit a life with God forever. Following God is a choice each of us have. I hope you've accepted Jesus as your Savior and are living for him. If not, what is in the way? It may not be money or possessions. It may be a different sin. Jesus is waiting at the door of your heart for you admit you need Him and to invite Him to help you live for Him. I am praying for you.
Lord Jesus, I am praying for those reading this post, that you would help them trust you and nothing or no one else. Amen.
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