Give Me Jesus

Looking at him, Jesus felt a love for him and said to him, "One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me." But at these words he was saddened, and he went away grieving, for he was one who owned much property.

Mark 10:21-22

The rich man came to Jesus for an answer. He wanted to know how to gain eternal life. Jesus tested him by reminding him of the commandments, and the man replied that he had kept the commandments since boyhood. And then with love Jesus confronted the man with the real obstacle to his faith: his wealth. It was his idol; more valuable than God Himself. Anything that prohibits us from following Christ will keep us from eternal life. It could be money, or status, or a relationship. It could be fear of being mocked or criticized by others. Jesus said we would have to "count the cost" of being His disciple. That scares some people and they walk away. They don't understand that when they give up whatever stands before them and God, they gain so much more. A relationship with the Savior is far more precious than money, or fame. His friendship is more precious than friendship with all the people in the world. As the old song goes, "Take the world, but give me Jesus."