UNCOMMEN: Bumper Sticker TheologySýnishorn

Save Gas, Walk With Jesus

Everyone wants to walk with Jesus until we see where Jesus is going. Our scripture verse is about the Rich Young Ruler and his interaction with Jesus. On his way over to speak with Jesus, he probably thought that he was ready to take his faith to the next level. Jesus has a way of speaking with Truth and Grace when it comes to us showing up with our agenda.

As you read the story, the Rich Young Ruler seemed to be baiting Jesus to tell him to do something so he could let Jesus know he was already doing that. The young ruler told Jesus, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” Jesus leads the young man from Grace into Truth by telling him something the young man was not ready to hear.

Jesus knew the young man’s heart and told him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” Our story tells us the Rich Young Ruler went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

I’m sure this is not how the young man thought the conversation would go when he approached Jesus that day. It’s wise never to approach God with an agenda. While you may know part of the story, God knows the whole story and may require you to do something you had not thought of or think you are ready for yet. 

Maybe it was more comfortable for Peter and Andrew to leave their fishing business because they weren’t catching any fish when Jesus approached them. Our story tells us this Rich Young Ruler had great possessions, and he didn’t want to give them up even though Jesus also told him he would have treasure in heaven. It seems that was not enough for the young man who desired earthy rewards instead of heavenly rewards.

Uncommen Questions:

What are you holding onto that would keep you from eternal life?

Have you given all you have to follow Jesus?
 

Uncommen Challenge:
 

I challenge you to make a list of the things that don’t belong to God already. When you conclude that everything is God’s, it will free you up to turn everything you think you have control of to God so He can use you for His Will and Purpose.

Scripture Verse:
Matthew 19:16-22