Matthew _10
Scripture Mark 10:21 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.” Observation Mark 10:1 Jesus then left that place and went into the region of Judea and across the Jordan. Again crowds of people came to him, and as was his custom, he taught them. Understanding Total dependence on God Mark 10:15 Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” Children totally depend on their parents for their well being food, love, warmth, and joy. They should depend on them, after all, they know better, they will provide the best care for them and give them what they need in all aspects of life. Us humans fall so short in parenting but how much more is our perfect Father in heaven going to give us what we need. He will take care of me as I follow him on his journey that he’s invited me to join. Our “riches” are what we need and have come to depend on. We find it difficult to let go of our “riches” because we find it’s difficult to let go of our “self”. No one comes to the Father except through Jesus (John 14:6) and we must deny our self and take up our cross daily and follow Him (Matt. 16:24). Jesus said that even the food he eats is to do the will of the father (John 4:34) Application Let it go What “riches” are we holding onto that is keeping us from following after Jesus? You may say, “I follow Jesus, I follow the 10 commandments and I go to church”. The rich man did all the right things too! (Mark 10:17-22) When Jesus was talking to the rich man, he said for him to let go of everything, then come follow Him. Even though he did all the right things and followed the commandment, Jesus wanted to take him on a journey. And sadly that’s where a lot of us fall short. What is keeping you from following Jesus on the journey he has specifically for you? Father, we need you! Holy Spirit show us what things are standing in the way from wholeheartedly following after Jesus. Search our hearts and reveal to us! We want to move into this new year with a decrease of ourselves and an increase of Jesus! We want to move with Him! In Jesus name, Amen!
Deborah Lee