email : Webview : Duane Brooks - Every Day with Jesus

July 9, 2018

Luke 18:22-23

When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was very wealthy.

New International Version (NIV)

Like an excellent doctor, the Great Physician finds the problem in our hearts, skillfully performs surgery to excise it and applies the medicine directly. To be clear, Jesus did not ask everyone to sell all their possessions and give to the poor. When the Rich Young Ruler came running to Jesus, Jesus told him to keep the commandments. “I have,” came the confident answer. Then Jesus told him to sell his possessions and give to the poor. Why him? Why then?

Because Jesus is our King, nothing can become more important to us than him. God brooks no rivals. He does not want to be a part of your life, but the whole thing. God is not looking to come into our messy lives, but for us to come into his perfect life. So like a good surgeon he cuts out anything that would keep our hearts from living with full devotion to him.

But how will we know what is more important to us than God? One way to tell is by what is upsetting us. If we are angry because something besides God is taken away from us, we can be sure that this thing has become an idol for us. Idols take many forms, but our hearts never stop making them. If something besides Jesus is consuming our attention and affection then it is, by definition, too important to us. Let it go and follow Jesus. This is the main thing and it is the only thing, because God alone is great and God alone is our King!

Pray with me:

Father, show us today anything that consumes our hearts’ affection and mind’s attention besides you. Show us the reason for our anger. Do not let the sun go down while we are angry about anything today. The dearest idol we have known, whatever that idol be, help us to tear it from our hearts and worship only thee. 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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