In a recent reflection, I felt compelled to share a message that invites us all to examine the love in our hearts. Today, as we look into the story of the rich young ruler from the book of Mark, my prayer is that the Lord stirs our hearts and opens our eyes to see what we might need to change, surrender, or refocus to walk closer with Him.”
Mark 10:17-27 – A Question of Eternal Life
In this passage, we meet a young, wealthy ruler who approaches Jesus, asking, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus responds by reminding him of the commandments, to which the young man answers that he has kept them since his youth. But Jesus, with love and insight, tells him he still lacks one thing: “Go and sell all you possess, and give to the poor… then come, follow me”.
A Moment of Revelation – Where Does Our Love Truly Lie?
This ruler, young, rich, and powerful, likely held a prestigious position, perhaps even on a ruling council among the Jewish people. Despite his status and his obedience to the commandments, he felt something was still missing.
Jesus saw this and sought to guide him into a better understanding. Jesus did not tell him to merely “believe” or follow the commandments he already knew; instead, Jesus asked him to part with his riches – the one thing holding him back from fully entering into God’s kingdom.
Trust in riches doesn’t make you trust in God.
The young man’s reaction is telling. He was saddened and walked away grieving, for his heart was bound to his wealth. This story highlights that true belief in Jesus requires more than outward obedience; it requires a love that transcends worldly attachments.
The Purpose of the Law: Leading Us to Christ
The law given to Moses was never meant to save us; it was meant to show us our need for Jesus. In this story, Jesus begins with the law, speaking to the young man in a way he could understand. Jesus was not suggesting that the law alone would grant eternal life. Instead, He used the commandments as a stepping stone, helping the young man recognize that his heart’s true treasure lay elsewhere – in his possessions, not in God.
Does Obedience Without Love Bring Fulfillment?
The rich young ruler’s obedience to the commandments didn’t satisfy the deeper longing in his soul, and it’s a reminder that following the rules alone doesn’t draw us closer to God. True faith is born from a love that’s willing to surrender, a love that places Jesus above all else. Even if we avoid lying, stealing, or harming others, we still may find ourselves distant from God if our hearts remain fixed on worldly desires.
“One Thing You Lack” – Jesus’ Invitation to Let Go
When Jesus told the young man to sell his possessions and give to the poor, He wasn’t trying to burden him; He was offering him freedom. But this freedom required a shift in love and devotion. Jesus knew that the young man’s attachment to his wealth was preventing him from fully embracing God. Jesus’ call to “come, follow me” was an invitation to a relationship, not a set of religious rules.
The Heart of the Matter: Where Is Our Love?
The young man’s sorrow reveals the challenge many of us face – our attachment to earthly treasures and comforts. Jesus taught that we cannot serve both God and wealth, for we will end up loving one and despising the other. The things we hold onto may prevent us from fully experiencing God’s love and grace.
Are there things in your life that God has asked you to give up, but you feel reluctant to let go? Do you find yourself saddened at the thought of releasing them? This story invites us to examine our hearts and question where our love truly lies.
Realigning Our Love for God Above All Else
It’s not impossible to be rich and enter the kingdom of God; Jesus shows us that the challenge lies in keeping our love for God above all else. King David, for example, was wealthy yet deeply loved God. His heart belonged to God, not to his wealth. When our love is rightly placed, we can hold earthly blessings loosely, knowing that our true treasure is in heaven.
A Call to Examine Our Hearts
Jesus’ words to the young man were not meant to restrict him but to set him free. God desires that we love Him wholeheartedly and put Him first in all we do. When we struggle to give something up, it’s often because our hearts are more attached to that thing than we realize.
So today, I invite you to examine your love. What is God asking you to release? Is it wealth, a relationship, a habit, or something else that stands between you and Him? If you feel sadness or reluctance at the thought of giving it up, it might be a sign that it has become more important than it should be.
A Prayer to Realign Our Hearts
If you feel ready to let go of these attachments and make Jesus your primary focus, here’s a simple prayer:
“Dear Jesus, my heart has loved other things apart from You. I come to You today, asking for Your forgiveness. Help me to love You completely and to place You as the prime focus in my life. Strengthen me to let go of the things that block my relationship with You.
Thank You for receiving me and guiding me. Help me walk closely with You, keeping my eyes fixed on You. In Your name, Amen.”
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