Matthew 19:16-26 The Rich Young Ruler

And someone came to Him and said, “Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may obtain eternal life?” And 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, keeps the commandments.” Then 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; HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER; and YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.” The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept; what am I still lacking?” Jesus 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.” But when the young man heard this statement, he went away grieving; for he was one who owned much property. And Jesus said to His disciples, “Truly I say to you, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 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.” When the disciples heard this, they were very astonished and said, “And Then who can be saved?” And looking at them Jesus said to them, “With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

The purpose of this life example is the futility of pleasing God in our flesh. When we depend only on our self, we are limited to our own resources. The Bible teaches us that we cannot serve both God and money. However when we realize that all things are owned by God, it is far wiser to come under God’s protection rather than your own, because God demands it from those whom he saves for eternal life.

Daily Prayer: Father, enable me to surrender all parts of my life to you. I cannot quarrel with you any more than the pot can tell the potter how to make him. Therefore permit me to surrender and join the army of the Lord of Hosts. In Your Holy Name I pray Amen.