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.”

Devotion based on Mark 10:21

Riches come in many shapes and sizes. One person treasures the blessing of family. Another person lives to exercise and compete. Still another loves to watch others compete and lives or dies with their favorite team or athlete. Some may value their home, car, work, music, grades, recreation, and on and on.

What treasures do you live for? What would you give up to get them or keep them? What do you think would happen if you lost them?

The reality that we hate to admit is that many of the things we treasure won’t last. As wonderful as these blessings are, as thankful as we are for them, they aren’t what matters most.

Jesus once met a man who was trying to be the best version of himself. He worked hard to be a good person. Along the way, he was blessed with great wealth. Slowly, his wealth and possessions became more and more important to him.

The Bible says, “Jesus looked at him and loved him.” He loved him enough to point out that the treasures he was holding onto weren’t the real treasure. In fact, they were standing in the way of the real treasure.

In love, Jesus urged him to give all of it up so that he could receive what Jesus wanted to give him—a free gift, treasure in heaven. We can’t work for that treasure. It can’t be bought or sold with money. Jesus bought it for us with his innocent blood and his sinless death.

It’s a life of perfect, eternal joy, satisfaction, and purpose. It’s a life free from pain, want, and fear. It’s a life that lasts forever. Jesus gives you that treasure, as he tells you in the Bible how he bought it for you and leads you to believe that his promises are true. Listen as he speaks and receive the treasure that lasts forever. Don’t let anything stand in the way of it!

Prayer: