When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” Luke 18:22
Why would Jesus require this wealthy, influential, young man to sell it all to truly possess eternal life? Well… that life is only found in Jesus. And although this sincere young Jewish leader was serious about keeping God’s Law (or so he thought), his heart was attached much too closely to what his earthly wealth provided. He was sad, not happy, at Jesus’ legit, generous invitation to be a disciple.
Ultimately this account is a great tragedy. He was so close to the kingdom. Jesus offered a full life of discipleship and spiritual adventure to a guy who looked like a great prospect to add to the retinue of disciples. And sacrifice was just what the man was NOT ready for. Heaven was his hope, but humility was not the price he wanted to pay. And so he went away sad… still rich… but quite sad.
Happy are those who have been able to divest themselves of the parasitic infection of materialism as their heart’s driving value. Those people who know Jesus will know all the rewards no wealth in this world can supply! And His kingdom brings out a generous love in them. And they live in the generous overflow of grace forever!
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