Not all who are invited, answer the call. It’s not about simply following a set of rules, though we should do that also. Yahweh wants to be first place in our hearts and minds. He does not want anything to take that priority over Him. For some it may be money. For others it may be an addiction or a job or even their children or spouse. That is not to say we are called to leave our children or spouse. It simply means we must put Yahweh first. When we do so, everything else will fall into place.
The Rich Young Ruler
16And someone came to Him and said, “Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may obtain eternal life?” 17And He said to him, “Why are you asking Me about what is good? There is only One who is good; but if you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.” 18Then he said to Him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT MURDER; YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY; YOU SHALL NOT STEAL; YOU SHALL NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS; 19HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER; and YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.” 20The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept; what am I still lacking?” 21Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” 22But when the young man heard this statement, he went away grieving; for he was one who owned much property.
23And Jesus said to His disciples, “Truly I say to you, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24“Again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” 25When the disciples heard this, they were very astonished and said, “Then who can be saved?” 26And looking at them Jesus said to them, “With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Think about the opportunity the rich young ruler passed up. For Him, money was too important. Money by itself is not bad and does not need to be forsaken by all. Abraham was rich, as was Isaac and Jacob and King David and many others. We should each take care to look for anything that has a higher place in our lives than our relationship with Yahweh. Then we should ask Him to help us turn away from it and put Him first.
I invite you to pray:
Father, please help me to see clearly what may be taking a higher priority in my life than it should. Help me to put you first in my life in all aspects, above all other things and relationships. I pray I would not choose to miss out on all that you have planned for me because I am afraid to let go of something else, like money. Please help all your people, who are called by your name to do likewise. Amen.
Shalom
Devotion by John in service to Christ
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