“At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.”
Mark 10:22
It was a moment of decision. Would the rich young man obey Jesus or not?
A cartoon in the New Yorker showed a stylishly dressed man leaning against a convertible. Beside him were tennis rackets and balls. In the car sat an attractive woman wearing sunglasses. In the background were palm trees, speed boats, and luxury high-rises. With a somewhat troubled look on his face he said, “I despise my life, but I’m in love with my lifestyle.” Like the rich young ruler, he was trapped in a lifestyle.
What is it that’s hard for you to remove from the throne of your life? Your occupation, family, home, reputation, security, possessions, relationships, riches, power, talent, beauty, intelligence? How would you fill in the blank, “Lord you can have anything but ____”? Can you loosen your grip on what you taste, touch, and see for something unseen but promised in the amazing hereafter? Is it possible that, just like the young ruler, you want the benefits without the investments? Face to face with Jesus would you, like the ruler, walk away very sad?
A cartoon in the New Yorker showed a stylishly dressed man leaning against a convertible. Beside him were tennis rackets and balls. In the car sat an attractive woman wearing sunglasses. In the background were palm trees, speed boats, and luxury high-rises. With a somewhat troubled look on his face he said, “I despise my life, but I’m in love with my lifestyle.” Like the rich young ruler, he was trapped in a lifestyle.
What is it that’s hard for you to remove from the throne of your life? Your occupation, family, home, reputation, security, possessions, relationships, riches, power, talent, beauty, intelligence? How would you fill in the blank, “Lord you can have anything but ____”? Can you loosen your grip on what you taste, touch, and see for something unseen but promised in the amazing hereafter? Is it possible that, just like the young ruler, you want the benefits without the investments? Face to face with Jesus would you, like the ruler, walk away very sad?
Scripture Focus
Mark 10:17-27
Insight
“What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?” (Mark 8:36)
Bible In A Year
- Genesis 43-44
- Psalm 22
- Mark 2