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January 23, 2018

Mark 10:21-22

Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.

New International Version (NIV)

                Jack Benny used to quip that a robber had accosted him with a gun and these words: “your money or your life.” When Benny hesitated, the criminal asked him, “What are you waiting for?” Benny answered, “I’m thinking. I’m thinking.” Some would have a harder time giving up their money than losing their lives.

                  “Count the cost!” What does it cost to follow Jesus. I know: salvation is free. Jesus paid it all. But when Jesus met the rich young ruler and found out he had kept all the commandments since his childhood, Jesus asked him to do one thing more. Divesting himself of his possessions and finding his treasure in heaven, the young man was asked to invest his whole life in following Jesus. He went away grieving. Jesus did not renegotiate with him.

Then Jesus told his disciples how hard it was for the wealthy to enter the kingdom of God, and Peter said, “We have left everything and followed you.”   “You will receive 100 times more,” Jesus answered. Do we really believe that giving Jesus our whole lives is the best thing we can do? When someone called missionary Jim Elliot a fool for risking his whole life for the gospel, Elliot answered, “He is not a fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” Then he followed Jesus, gave his life as a missionary killed by a native tribe and entered eternity. It is never foolish to follow Jesus!

Pray with me:

Father, help us not to love any thing as much as we love you. Show us the life you have for us and help us to invest the rest of our time in this life following you. We trust you with our lives and with our eternity. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This year we focus our Every Day with Jesus readings on Jesus’ story. With references to Tallowood's Read Through the Bible in 2018 daily reading plan, let's focus our undivided attention on Jesus and follow where he lead. He will not fail. Neither will we!
Joyfully,
Duane

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