Read Mark 10:17-31
Are you clinging to possessions you have acquired in this life, like the rich man who wanted to follow Jesus but felt sad because of his riches? What if you were told to leave everything behind and walk away to follow Jesus? Could you do it?
I’ve always puzzled over Jesus’ words, “it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!” If you’ve ever tried to thread a needle, trying to get that pesky thread through the needle’s eye, you know how tricky it can be. Imagine a camel doing the same feat as the thread! A camel!
If our salvation relies on a camel’s success going through the eye of a needle, then it is not very likely. But Jesus was making a point. It’s not easy. It may even seem impossible. Our salvation, that is, will not happen if we are left to our own devices. That’s why we need our savior, Jesus. We will never succeed on our own.
Jesus gives us a beautiful response when he says, “Everything is possible with God.” What a freeing statement. Jesus reminds us we don’t have to rely on our own power or cleverness. God’s the one in control. All we need to remember when we try to please God is that our trust is what God seeks most.
Our possessions and desire for more “stuff” is what often separates us from God. Do you focus more on what you have and want than what God has given or wants to give you? I’ve heard a good way to see where your values lie is to look at your pocketbook and see where your money is going. What are the last five things you spent your money on? That exercise can be a startling reality for many of us.
You may or may not feel like you are rich, but compared to those living in the days Jesus walked this earth, we are rich beyond measure. Jesus calls us to put him first, and in some people’s situations, that means they need to part ways with all the stuff that has kept their focus off of Jesus. That was Jesus’ message to the rich man.
Does your “stuff” draw you into a deeper relationship with Jesus? Remember it’s all about the relationship and communication with God. The rich man was good at following rules and commands, but he wasn’t so good at emptying himself of all the riches and privileges that go along with it. He didn’t realize how much those “things” were holding him back from experiencing all that God had to offer him.
How would you have responded to Jesus if he asked you give away everything you have worked for your whole life? Think about that. How willing would you be to walk away from everything that you know for a life of serving Jesus?
Let’s pray. Thank you, Lord, for leading my life. It has been hard to leave behind what was familiar and comfortable. Thank you for calling me to serve you. I look forward to seeing how you will move and draw me forward into your will. Bless all encounters and help me to draw closer to you each day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
