It’s Particularly Costly for the Prosperous

MORNING

Read Mark 10:19-23

Devotion

This must be one of the most heartbreaking stories in the Bible. A young man came to Jesus genuinely looking for the key to eternal life.He was a good guy who had really tried hard to keep all of God’s laws for his whole life. Jesus saw his heart and “loved him” (10:21). It’s pertinent that Mark mentions this. Jesus must have seen the incredible potential in this young man. He saw his genuine passions and desires. Followers with hearts like this young man’s were few and far between.

But the guy “went away sad” because Jesus asked him to abandon his “great wealth.” Here’s the issue. If becoming a disciple of Jesus means sacrificing everything, then the more you have, the harder that is going to be. It’s more challenging for those who are prosperous, self-sufficient and respected to become true disciples of Jesus than those who are desperate and broken. That explains why Jesus said that it was so hard for rich people to enter the kingdom (10:23). That’s because they have so much to lose.

So what does this mean for us? Jesus is not necessarily saying that giving away everything we own is a condition of being His disciple. This is just a demand He placed on this rich guy. But Jesus is saying that we need to be willing to sacrifice everything that stops us from depending on and following Him. The rich guy wouldn’t do it despite his great heart and deep desires. He weighed up the cost and it was too much for him. He went away sad, missing all that Jesus offered.

Is there anything that stands in the way of your dependence on and submission to Jesus? Is there anything that He is asking you to sacrifice? What will you do about it?

Prayer

Lord, You have given me a lot of good things and I am very thankful. But I don’t want Your blessings to stand in the way of following You. Please search my heart and reveal anything that I am clinging to more than You. Free me from my idols so that I can be a fully devoted disciple of Jesus. I’m laying it all on the line Lord. I’m Yours forever.

Today’s Bible Focus

“How hard it is for those who are prosperous to enter the kingdom of God!”

LUNCHTIME (or when you can make a moment during the day)

1. Meditate for a short time on today’s Bible focus. Let it seep into your heart.
2. Look and see what is happening around you from God’s perspective and listen to see whether God is whispering anything to you.
3. Pray for any not-yet Christians God has placed on your heart.

EVENING

1. Remember: Repeat today’s Bible focus.
2. Reflect: Reflect on the day, and thank God for what He has said and done.
3. Repent: Check where you have neglected or disobeyed God during the day, and ask for forgiveness and freedom.
4. Release: Name any concerns or fears on your mind and release them to Jesus.