Scripture:
Matthew 19:17, 21 – And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.” 21- Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come follow me.”
Observation:
The rich young man comes to Jesus and asks Jesus what good works he must do to inherit eternal Life. Jesus transitions the conversation to let the rich young man know that it is only God who is good and gives eternal life. Absent from the list in the commandments Jesus questioned the ruler about was you shall have no God before me and love God above all else. Jesus knew the man loved money and that is where his devotion was, not a devotion from the heart to God through Jesus.
Application:
I must remember to put God first in all aspects of my life. There is no amount of good deeds I can do to inherit eternal life. It is only through the grace of God and the saving work of Jesus on the cross at Calvary that I am saved and will inherit eternal life. It doesn’t have to be just money, is there anything I value before God. Whatever it is, I need to surrender it from my heart and follow Jesus. Jesus doesn’t say follow me and it will be all good here on earth. Quite the opposite, Jesus tells us people will hate us and we will be persecuted for his name but our reward is in heaven.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank you for your love, grace and mercy. Help me put you first, to receive your love and share it with others. Let your spirit guide me to have nothing before you and follow you, Lord Jesus.