Together - Daily DevotionalSample

The Rich Young Ruler

Reading: Mark 10:17-27

Key Verse: “At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth” verse 22

It is important to emphasise it is not wealth that is wrong; it is our attitude to it. Many godly people in the Bible had considerable wealth including Abraham, David and Jesus friend Lazarus. Today’s reading provides both contrast and comparison to yesterday’s parable of the rich fool who did not even think about God in his plans. Instead, today’s rich young ruler was devoted to his faith. He had kept all the commandments and longed to experience eternal life.

Scripture records that Jesus loved him but immediately identified a spiritual problem that would hold him back; his attitude to wealth. Whereas the disciples had left their homes and businesses to follow Jesus, this man was not prepared to do the same. Yesterday’s fool had only one priority in life – himself. Today’s youth had two priorities – his wealth and his faith, but in that order. God was important to him, perhaps even number two in his list of priorities. But it became clear that number one was his wealth and that prevented him from following Jesus.

The disciples were stunned but Jesus was crystal clear: “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God”. God must be number one.

Prayer: Lord You are number one in my affections and life