Hello, I’m Daniel Westfall on the channel “Pray With Me”.

In Mark 10, a rich man asked Jesus, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” (Mark 10:17).

Jesus replied, “You know the commandments: don’t murder, commit adultery, steal, or lie. Honor your parents.” 

The man said, “Good. I’ve done that since I was young.” 

Jesus said with compassion, “You’re missing something. Sell everything you have, give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then, follow me” (Mark 10:21). 

The man went away sad because he was wealthy. 

Let’s look at this story through three lenses. 

1. First, what was the rich man missing? Faith? Treasure in heaven? Poverty? 

The rich man had honored God and kept his commands, but that wasn’t enough for Jesus. But Jesus didn’t tell him what exactly he was missing. 

Perhaps you are a commandment keeper like the rich man. And perhaps you have a bank account and investments and retirement savings. If Jesus asked you, would you give all that away? Would I?

2. A second window to the story is to ask, “Where is your treasure stored?” Jesus advised the rich man to sell his earthly treasures and acquire treasure in heaven.To  exchange what was visible and tangible and secure for a treasure he couldn’t see or touch or spend. Jesus didn’t make it easy for the rich man to follow him. 

I wonder what Jesus say to me about eternal life? That my faith is too hypothetical, that my treasure is only on earth? Would he advise me to dispose of my wealth? I hope that’s not my route to eternal life. 

3. There’s a third window to this story. When Jesus greets me in heaven, will he ask, “Did you read that story about the rich man?” What will I say? Can I tell him, “Yes, I read it. Good story, but you didn’t expect that level of commitment from me, did you?” 

Let’s pray. 

O father, Job said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked will I return” (Job 1:21). When we return to you, where will we hide our rich lifestyle? How will we disguise our half-hearted commitments? 

Help us on our earthly journey to hear Jesus’ voice, to discern what he asks of us, and to obey. And where we fail, may the grace of his cross and the mercy of your fatherhood bring us to everlasting life and true treasure in heaven. 

Amen. 

I’m Daniel, on the channel “Pray with Me”.  

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