The Rich Young Man
The rich young man
This rich young man has brought me back down memory lane. Back in December of 2020, I did five or six posts on this rich young man. Check out a few below.
https://bharper504.blogspot.com/2020/12/he-said-to-him-teacher-i-have-kept-all.html
December 11, 2020
https://bharper504.blogspot.com/2020/12/it-is-easier-for-camel-to-go-through.html
December 19, 2020
And then in September of 2021, I looked at him again through the eyes of Luke.
https://bharper504.blogspot.com/2021/09/a-ruler-asked-him-good-teacher-what.html
September 14, 2021
Today, I would like to look at Jesus’ command of this man.
“Then, looking at him, Jesus loved him and said to him, “You lack one thing: Go, sell all you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.”
As I was reading this God flashed in my mind the book of Acts.
“Now all the believers were together and held all things in common. They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as anyone had a need.”
“Joseph, a Levite and a Cypriot by birth, the one the apostles called Barnabas, which is translated Son of Encouragement, sold a field he owned, brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.”
“But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property. However, he kept back part of the proceeds with his wife’s knowledge, and brought a portion of it and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
Then Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the proceeds from the field? Wasn’t it yours while you possessed it? And after it was sold, wasn’t it at your disposal? Why is it that you planned this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God! ” When he heard these words, Ananias dropped dead, and a great fear came on all who heard. The young men got up, wrapped his body, carried him out, and buried him.”
This rich young man could very well have been either Joseph (Barnabas) or Ananias. He could have turned away from Jesus and later began selling his possessions one by one or he could have sold everything outright and wholeheartedly began trying to follow Jesus. Or he could have snuck into the church without fully letting go of his things.
If someone or even you and I were to reject Jesus, as this rich young man did, it is not the end of the line! Jesus in His mercy and grace will keep pursuing us until we fully submit to His will or we fully and truly reject Him. The biggest question remains when will we submit to the will of God in our lives and well and truly make Jesus Lord of all we say, think, do, and feel?
“He answered: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.”
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