RICH OR POOR?
SCRIPTURE
Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?"
-Matthew 19:16
Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem when he was interrupted. Not one to ignore a person, Jesus stopped and directed his attention to the wealthy man. When this intruder had Jesus's attention, he called Jesus "teacher." Clearly this man had already heard enough about Jesus to know that if anyone could answer his burning question, Jesus could. So, he asked. He was looking for a kind of security he did not get from money or status.
Aren't we all? We grab what we think will secure--us the next promotion, investment, relationship, or some other opportunity that promises more than we currently have (and usually more than it can actually provide). Here is where our perception of security is flawed, just like this man's.
Jesus pointed the man to God's commandments. "Which ones?" the man asked (v. 18). His response showed his ignorance. He wanted to be sure he obeyed only the right commandments that would secure his eternal life--as if he could pick and choose his obedience.
Jesus didn't let him play word games. Instead, he tested his desperation, telling him to sell his possessions, give to the poor, and follow Jesus. It was a chance for this supposedly rich man to live with less while experiencing more. However, because he had "great wealth" (v. 22) and was apparently unwilling to give it up, he left Jesus's presence feeling sadder than ever.
We point fingers at this man for his foolishness, but we should be pointing at ourselves. What is something Jesus has asked us to surrender that we questioned or refused? What are we supposed to learn from this story? Perhaps we should remember that every good and perfect gift comes from God (James 1:17). What God gives us, he also helps us use most effectively. Less is more when God is in charge. Let God prove it.
BURNING QUESTIONS
1. How do you demonstrate that everything you have and value is a gift from God?
2. If God reveals what you hold too tightly, how will you let God show you where it belongs?
AFFIRMATION
Every good and perfect gift is from God above! (See James 1:17.)
PRAYER FOR TODAY
Wise Giver, help me be open to your gifts and practice obedience about where they belong in my life.
SCRIPTURE
Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?"
-Matthew 19:16
Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem when he was interrupted. Not one to ignore a person, Jesus stopped and directed his attention to the wealthy man. When this intruder had Jesus's attention, he called Jesus "teacher." Clearly this man had already heard enough about Jesus to know that if anyone could answer his burning question, Jesus could. So, he asked. He was looking for a kind of security he did not get from money or status.
Aren't we all? We grab what we think will secure--us the next promotion, investment, relationship, or some other opportunity that promises more than we currently have (and usually more than it can actually provide). Here is where our perception of security is flawed, just like this man's.
Jesus pointed the man to God's commandments. "Which ones?" the man asked (v. 18). His response showed his ignorance. He wanted to be sure he obeyed only the right commandments that would secure his eternal life--as if he could pick and choose his obedience.
Jesus didn't let him play word games. Instead, he tested his desperation, telling him to sell his possessions, give to the poor, and follow Jesus. It was a chance for this supposedly rich man to live with less while experiencing more. However, because he had "great wealth" (v. 22) and was apparently unwilling to give it up, he left Jesus's presence feeling sadder than ever.
We point fingers at this man for his foolishness, but we should be pointing at ourselves. What is something Jesus has asked us to surrender that we questioned or refused? What are we supposed to learn from this story? Perhaps we should remember that every good and perfect gift comes from God (James 1:17). What God gives us, he also helps us use most effectively. Less is more when God is in charge. Let God prove it.
BURNING QUESTIONS
1. How do you demonstrate that everything you have and value is a gift from God?
2. If God reveals what you hold too tightly, how will you let God show you where it belongs?
AFFIRMATION
Every good and perfect gift is from God above! (See James 1:17.)
PRAYER FOR TODAY
Wise Giver, help me be open to your gifts and practice obedience about where they belong in my life.
Posted in Lent