March 19

“As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. ‘Good teacher,’ he asked, ‘what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ “—MARK 10:17

In Mark, Chapter 10, we are given the story of a rich, young ruler who wanted to keep his wealth and power forever. When he heard there was a preacher in the area who could give eternal life, he sought him out, and asked, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus began citing the commandments, but impatient to receive the one thing he didn’t have, the man interrupted, “Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy” (Mark 10:20).

That may or may not have been true, but Jesus cut right to the quick. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me” (Mark 10:21). This was, in fact, a good question the man was asking, so that leads us to wonder why did Jesus make an issue of his wealth? Is it wrong to be rich? No, it isn’t, but Jesus looked upon the heart, and knew this man’s motives. In Luke 16:13, He said, “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” 

Fundamental to our understanding of the Christian life must be the recognition that when we come into relationship with Jesus Christ, we are coming into relationship with a master and king. Kings only have subjects; they don’t have peers. In effect, what Jesus was saying to this rich, young ruler was, “You have a problem. You already have a master. Get rid of that one, then come and follow me.” But the man’s interest was only for himself. Because he had great wealth, he went away sad.

Being the recipient of eternal life is not something we receive when we die, but begins the moment we submit to Christ. Our lives are then brought under new management, but Jesus doesn’t twist our arm. Under His lordship involves letting go of worrying about money, and building protections around it. That doesn’t mean we give all we have away to the poor, but that we allow Jesus to direct us in being good stewards of all He has given us. If we hoard what we have and live to accumulate more, we’re amassing wealth that isn’t secure, doesn’t last and only gives us more to worry about. All we have is on trust from God. Even the wealthiest leave this earth empty-handed. Our real treasure is found in sharing generously with those in need, and that stores up for us eternal treasures in heaven. 

PRAYER: Thank you, Lord, for the many blessings I have received from You. Help me to be a good steward of all I have, and share generously with those in need.

TO REFLECT UPON: Am I sharing what I have with those in need?