Today's Readings - Exodus 13–14, Matthew 19:16–30, Psalm 18:12–18, Proverbs 3:32-33
Devotional - Jesus' Evangelism
The story of the rich young ruler (Matthew 19) has been used to make some very wrong conclusions. No, it does not teach that we are saved by following the rules encoded in the law. And no, we do not have to give away everything we own to come to Jesus. In fact, this passage does not even teach that God loves poor people more than rich people. None of those common ideas are the point of this passage.
But it does make some important conclusions, ones that we need to remember as we come to Christ and as we lead others to him.
First, we cannot hold on to our idols as we come to Christ. The problem with the rich young ruler was not that he was rich, but that he loved his riches. He wanted to be right with God, but not enough to give up his wealth and privilege. Money was his idol, and Jesus confronted that.
When you come to Christ, you repent of your sins and yield your life to Christ. You cannot open your arms to Christ while continuing to hug your idol! Christ becomes Lord of our lives when we trust him, and there is no room for the god Ego (worship of self), or Mammon (devotion to money and things money buys), or Venus (love of pleasure, of sex) or any other modern version of the pagan gods.
Second, it is important to note that Jesus was strict in his evangelization of the rich young ruler. This young man came to him wanting to have eternal life, but Jesus would not discount the gospel to gain a convert. He held the line. If you would come to me, Jesus said, you must leave behind the false gods you have worshiped. We err when we offer people God's salvation while they continue their devotion to other things, other gods. Jesus let this young man walk away - sorrowful perhaps, but not repentant.
In my trips to Senegal, I have seen this illustrated clearly. The people with whom we shared Christ were almost uniformly positive toward Jesus. They liked him and they liked the stories about him. But most were not willing to give up the "bashin" - the false gods of animism that they worshiped. To follow Christ is to reject the bashin, both in West Africa and in Sioux City!
Finally, salvation is of God, not of works or human effort. In the long run, we all fall short. Rich or poor. Black or white or any shade in between. Male or female. Whatever language or tribe or nation. Salvation is impossible in and of ourselves. Fortunately, with God, all things are possible (19:26).
That verse is badly misapplied and misused as a personal motivational tool. "I can do whatever I want to do because, with God, all things are possible." While it is true that God empowers and enables everything he calls us to do, this passage is not about motivation or attaining our personal goals. It is about salvation.
Salvation is impossible for all of us because of the idols that hold our hearts. Love of self, of money, of pleasure, of power, of success. But God can take our sinful hearts and overwhelm them with his love. He can free us of these impure passions so that we may put our faith wholly in him.
With God, it is possible!
Father, I thank you that you saved a sinner like me. Forgive me for those times I try to return to the idols of this world when you deserve all of my worship. But I thank you that not only is your saving power sufficient for me, but it is sufficient for every man or woman on earth, no matter how sinful, hardened or self-righteous they might be. I thank you that the Great Commission task you have given us is possible because of your power and grace.
Think and Pray
Which of the readings spoke most powerfully to you today?Is the Spirit of God moving you to repent of something you are doing, to begin something new, or to change something about your life as a result of your readings? What?
What struggles are there in your life, things of this world that tend toward the idolatrous?
Are you willing to give up all your idols to follow Jesus?
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