WEALTH’S DECEPTION
WEALTH’S DECEPTION
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?” “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother.’ ” “Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.” Jesus looked at him and loved him. “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.” At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth. —Mark 10:17-22
This man ran to Jesus, fell on his knees and wanted to know how to inherit eternal life. What was keeping him from trusting Jesus? It was his wealth. How did he get his wealth in the first place? We are not told, but when Jesus mentions the horizontal relational aspects of the Law with people, He changed “You shall not covet” to “You shall not defraud.” Does this give a little more hit to the character of this man? Did he gain his wealth by ill-gotten means? One thing is for sure. He did not want to put Jesus first. His wealth was first in his life, regardless how he had attained it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8Sx_U0Ztr8
When we talk with people, what is keeping them from following Jesus? What is their god? What is more important to them than Jesus? Even though this man did not follow Jesus we are told that Jesus “loved Him.” May we have this attitude toward people as well? Even though they might not follow Jesus, let us love them. Remember, every single person and all of Creation was created by our Creator. Let us love Him and people as He has commanded us to do. May it be so!
Dear Father, it is so sad when people will not follow Jesus for Who He is and for all He has done for us. Help me to love people and encourage them to trust Jesus. May this be so in the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Jesus?