"Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me." Matthew 19:21

When Jesus was here on earth, His teaching drew crowds of followers. Some followed Him because of the miracles he performed. Others saw Him as the One who would deliver them from the Roman oppressors. It is possible that some just saw Him as a diversion. They listened to His teachings but did nothing about them.

The young man in this story, apparently, was hungry for more of God. He approached Jesus in reverence, acknowledging Him as "Good Master," and earnestly desiring direction in his life. Jesus knew what was in his heart. And so, replied that the way to eternal life was to keep the commandments of God.

As Jesus listed the commandments, the young man replied that he had diligently kept them all from his youth. Jesus, knowing all things, asked him to go and sell all his goods, give the money to the poor, and come follow Him. He was not ready for this. His reaction must have grieved Jesus.

Matthew 19:22 "But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions."

He recognized who Jesus was, desired to be part of His Kingdom, yet was unwilling to pay the price. His wealth and possessions meant more to him than gaining eternal life. If he had only realized what he was losing, he would have made a different decision. When God asks us to give something up, He always replaces it with something better. All the riches of this world could never replace the hope of eternal life.

Mark 8:36 "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"

There is nothing wrong with having money and possessions. If the Lord has blessed us in this regard, we should be thankful. When the Lord has first place in our hearts, He will direct the way we use what He has given us.

Thought For Today: "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep, to gain what he cannot lose. … Jim Elliot

Devotion by: Anne Johnston