Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
May 21, 2023
Luke 18:18-30
The Rich and the Kingdom of God
18 A certain ruler asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
19 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. 20 You know the commandments: ‘You shall not commit adultery, you shall not murder, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, honor your father and mother.’” 21 “All these I have kept since I was a boy,” he said. 22 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.” 23 When he heard this, he became very sad because he was very wealthy. 24 Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! 25 Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” 26 Those who heard this asked, “Who then can be saved?” 27 Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” 28 Peter said to him, “We have left all we had to follow you!” 29 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus said to them, “no one who has left home or wife or brothers or sisters or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God 30 will fail to receive many times as much in this age, and in the age to come eternal life.”
Good Morning; What is impossible with man is possible with God!
What do we have that is putting a barrier between us and God? In the parable, a wealthy man was told that “he must sell his possessions and give everything he has to the poor, and he would be blessed in heaven.”
Is it the money that is the problem, or is it what money does for us that is the problem? Obviously, we need some money to live our daily lives. We need to meet our physical needs, but there is meeting our needs and living in excess. Do we need a Ferrari, or will a less expensive car do?
What does money provide for us beyond the “things” we buy? Money gives us power, prestige, status, and influence. This was true in ancient times but is also true today. Excessive wealth often leads to corruption. Even if you have a good heart and intend to share your wealth, money attracts those with lesser standards who see an opportunity to profit through your leadership position.
Jesus calls us to give up our former selves and follow him. When we are baptized, we admit our sinfulness, ask forgiveness, and accept Christ as our Lord and Savior. We die and are born anew in Christ as the Holy Spirit begins transforming us into the beings God created us to be.
For the rich man in the parable, to follow Christ meant letting go of everything he held of valuable and beginning to work for heavenly, not earthly, treasures. This is impossible for us, but all things are possible through God. Not our ways but God’s.
Gracious God, We thank you for Your blessings. How can we let go of that which we have worked so hard? Help us trust you so that we can completely give ourselves to you. Thank You! In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: God accepts and blesses us as we are.
Let Go! Let God! Pastor Liz
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