Mark 10:17-31, reveals the story of an exchange between a rich young man and Jesus. The young man, who had amassed great wealth, came to Jesus and asked what he could do to inherit eternal life. Jesus, despite how the man had appropriately addressed Him, saw past the list of laws he claimed to have upheld, and recognized the root of pride held in his heart. “Jesus looked at him and loved him.” – (Mark 10:21a) In His great love, Jesus told him truthfully, what it would cost for the young man to follow Him.
Jesus does not ask all of us to sell everything we own, nor are we often expected to give it all away. However, He does ask that we place Him above all else. He saw that wealth was in the highest position of honor in the young man’s life, so He directly exposed its root. Our eternal security is not something that we can earn, but rather a gift that is freely given, if only we are willing to believe and receive in faith. As we trust Him, He directs our heart in the ways we are meant to go, and keeps our path straight. When we are submitted to our Savior, we will hear what He is asking of us along the way. We are not promised wealth, nor security, nor a cushy bank account; but we are promised hope, faith, love, and a peace that surpasses all understanding, as we have His Spirit with us to navigate this adventure of a life.
‘Tis not to be earned,
this glorious gift;
our treasure to hold,
all praises we lift.
Forever our hope,
is founded in Christ;
not temporal things,
though they can be nice.
For Jesus alone,
is our only Source;
redeeming Savior,
our holy true course.
As we fix our eyes,
our hearts and our minds;
true treasure is found,
the eternal kind.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You look upon us with love, regardless of where we are in the process of moving closer to You. Thank You that You lovingly show us the way we are meant to go, and that You redirect us when we get off course. Forgive us for not fully submitting all that we are and all that we have, unto You. Teach us to trust You completely, as You alone are our true Source. May we recognize all that we have and all that we are is a gift from You that is meant to be shared. Help us to hear You well, so that we love as You call us to love. May many come to know the eternal hope that is held in You alone, as we live in the love You have so generously poured upon us. Be glorified, our great and mighty God. Amen.
© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present.
Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. – James 5:13
Revelations In Writing 