Verse of the Day 8/14

Matthew 19:21 Jesus answered him, If you would be perfect [that is, have that spiritual maturity which accompanies self-sacrificing character], go and sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have riches in heaven; and come, be My disciple [side with My party and follow Me].   Amplified Bible (AMP)

We are, perhaps, at or at least approaching the height of the political season.  All kinds of advertising aimed at convincing the independents to join, to follow their party.  Today's verse comes from the familiar passage of the rich young ruler.  He seems to be an independent that desires the best of both parties.  The kingdom of this world and the kingdom of heaven.  He lists some of the 10 commandments that he's kept to show that he is fairly close to aligning himself with God's party, but  notice Jesus doesn't ask nor does the the young man mention about having no other god before him. 

 

Jesus tells him that if he wants to side with Jesus he will have to give up some of the other things that he is holding onto, then follow him.  Its not that we all don't have earthly possessions, but more, do they have the hold on us?

 

A devotional I read this morning brought me to Hebrews 11 which gave a contrast to the rich young ruler.  In this "Hall of Faith" we have a list of names of saints who had set their hearts on pilgrimage, set their hearts on following God.  They had joined God's party and looked for the day when His kingdom would be fully established.

 

Hebrews 11:16 But the truth is that they were yearning for and aspiring to a better and more desirable country, that is, a heavenly [one]. For that reason God is not ashamed to be called their God [even to be surnamed their God—the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob], for He has prepared a city for them.  Amplified Bible (AMP)

 

With what party are you lining yourself up with?  I'm not talking about Democrat or Republican, but God's party, His kingdom, or that of the world?  Is there something keeping you from joining God's party?

 

In Christ,
Mike

 

Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace  NIV

Matthew 19:16-22  Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)  The Rich Young Ruler

 

16 Just then someone came up and asked Him, "Teacher, what good must I do to have eternal life?"

 

17 "Why do you ask Me about what is good?" He said to him. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter into life, keep the commandments."

 

18 "Which ones?" he asked Him. Jesus answered:

 

Do not murder;
do not commit adultery;
do not steal;
do not bear false witness;
19 honor your father and your mother;
and love your neighbor as yourself.
20 "I have kept all these," the young man told Him. "What do I still lack?"

 

21 "If you want to be perfect," Jesus said to him, "go, sell your belongings and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me."

 

22 When the young man heard that command, he went away grieving, because he had many possessions.