AUGUST 30, 2025 ~ FROM A PASTOR'S HEART

AUGUST 30 DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READING: MARK 10:17-27

The Scripture says that one day a rich man came to Jesus and asked Him what he needed to do to inherit eternal life. Jesus went over an extensive list of things and each time the man said I have done this. Then Jesus said, "…there is only one thing that YOU lack, go sell all that you have and come follow me." The man went away sad because he was very rich...he chose his riches rather than Christ. That day the rich man made a decision that his riches were more important than eternal life. He chose the temporal over the eternal...he definitely made a poor choice. His view of what was really valuable was warped, as he was driven by earth's economy, rather than heavens.

I have had people read this and make the statement that Jesus wasn't being fair with this man, for He never asked anyone else to do what He required of him. The truth is that actually Jesus requires the same from all of us. You see when Jesus looked into the heart of this young man; He knew that he would never truly follow Jesus. Jesus knew that this man was there to cover all his bases and that he did not truly desire to make Jesus Lord of his life. He wanted to add Jesus to everything else that He had. Jesus was going to be just another of his possessions. He wanted to come to Jesus the way he chose, not the way God requires. This man was very proud of his accomplishments, but his works could not bring him eternal life. Nothing is different for us. Jesus knows our hearts...He knows if our desire is to truly have Him as Lord of our lives...He knows if we are just trying to cover our bases...He knows if we are just adding Him on as another possession, making Him one of many...He knows if we are trying to be in charge and determine our own way to salvation. You see, Jesus knew this rich man and Jesus knows us. If we are truly coming to Him, or if there is anything in our lives that stands between us genuinely following Him...Jesus won't be second in anyone's life! He must be Lord of all or He's not your Lord at all!

Please share your thoughts.