This weekend we’ve talked a lot about looking for value in possessions or parties or relationships or how we look or dress. And we all know that those things leave us unsatisfied. Well here this guy, a good kid, well-rounded educated, religious kid is still lacking something. Being a good person, or going to church, or looking right on the outside, doesn’t make us rich in Christ. Those things simply cannot because Christ desires relationships, not religion.
The harshest words he spoke in scripture, the people he had the most problems with were the Pharisees, the overly religious people. The people who outwardly looked like they had it all together but who inwardly were nothing but walking tombs, empty.
In John 5:39-42 he tells people that you don’t find riches in memorizing scripture, or being smart, or looking good, or even coming to church. You can only receive true riches, true life, from ME.
That’s a hard lesson and it took me awhile to learn it--that just going to church and trying to be known as a good person still left me lacking. It wasn’t until I realized that Jesus was more concerned about me coming into a relationship with him. I tell the kids I work with in TX all the time that this world doesn’t need any more good people, or nice folks. This world needs Godly, Christ-like men and women to bring his love to people, to offer others the LIFE he has given them.
When the young man asks, "What do I still lack," Jesus' reply is this. "Go sell everything, give it all up, and come follow me. Jesus tells him to get rid of everything that keeps you from me. Quit holding on to the things that are safe and comfortable. You don’t need that stuff, it’s only going to distract you. Because if you want to be rich in me it’s going to cost you everything. All that you got.
And the really sad thing is he couldn’t let go of it. His outward unwillingness revealed the inner condition of his heart. The young man is grieved/distressed b/c he thought he was one easy step away from having it all. And I guess he was, but it was a big step. A COSTLY step.
Now here’s where I have to tell you something scary. Did you know this was the only example, the only person in scripture who we see come to Jesus and walk away empty handed. Everyone else who comes to Christ leaves different, leaves fulfilled and saved. But not this man.
I don’t know how to say this more plainly, but our STUFF gets in the way of us following Christ. Jesus said in verse 21, if you want to have treasure in heaven, if you want to truly be rich, then it’s going to cost you everything. And that’s hard for you and me to really wrap our minds around isn’t it. Because if you want to get specific, what does we it cost us to follow Christ? EVERYTHING. Friends, family, possession, comfort, time, ourselves, our desires, money, everything....
In John 5:39-42 he tells people that you don’t find riches in memorizing scripture, or being smart, or looking good, or even coming to church. You can only receive true riches, true life, from ME.
That’s a hard lesson and it took me awhile to learn it--that just going to church and trying to be known as a good person still left me lacking. It wasn’t until I realized that Jesus was more concerned about me coming into a relationship with him. I tell the kids I work with in TX all the time that this world doesn’t need any more good people, or nice folks. This world needs Godly, Christ-like men and women to bring his love to people, to offer others the LIFE he has given them.
When the young man asks, "What do I still lack," Jesus' reply is this. "Go sell everything, give it all up, and come follow me. Jesus tells him to get rid of everything that keeps you from me. Quit holding on to the things that are safe and comfortable. You don’t need that stuff, it’s only going to distract you. Because if you want to be rich in me it’s going to cost you everything. All that you got.
And the really sad thing is he couldn’t let go of it. His outward unwillingness revealed the inner condition of his heart. The young man is grieved/distressed b/c he thought he was one easy step away from having it all. And I guess he was, but it was a big step. A COSTLY step.
Now here’s where I have to tell you something scary. Did you know this was the only example, the only person in scripture who we see come to Jesus and walk away empty handed. Everyone else who comes to Christ leaves different, leaves fulfilled and saved. But not this man.
I don’t know how to say this more plainly, but our STUFF gets in the way of us following Christ. Jesus said in verse 21, if you want to have treasure in heaven, if you want to truly be rich, then it’s going to cost you everything. And that’s hard for you and me to really wrap our minds around isn’t it. Because if you want to get specific, what does we it cost us to follow Christ? EVERYTHING. Friends, family, possession, comfort, time, ourselves, our desires, money, everything....
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pic of the day:
2 comments:
dang cody... that was the bomb all over again! hope to talk to you guys soon!
Just wanted to let you know that I have been reading your blogs...they are so uplifting and encouraging!! Your great!!
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