Hear Ye The Word Of The Lord -- Come Follow Me! - Part 2508

"It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." (Matthew 19:23-24; Matthew 10:24-25; Luke 18:25)

Continuing on the theme of offerings -- from the perspective of "stand in the offering plate" -- Matthew offers considerable insights. For example, in the latter portion of Matthew 19, Jesus has just spoken to the rich young ruler who wanted to know if there was anything he lacked -- yet? (Matthew 19: 20-21)

As we observe, His disciples were surprised with Jesus' response, asking, "Who then can be saved?" From their perspective, the disciples had already forsaken everything they had to follow Jesus. Indeed, as the scriptures state, the disciples had left their nets behind. But the insight we will soon understand herein is that the Lord is looking for hearts that are right in Him. Thus, in the case of the rich man, the Lord exposed his heart for believing he could buy his way into the kingdom; into eternal life -- through good works and keeping the commandments.

"If thou wilt be perfect ..." said Jesus. (Matthew 19:21)

Note that the rich man desired to know if he still lacked. Thus, Jesus instructs him to go and sell all that he had, and give to the poor. Why? So that the rich man would have treasure in heaven? Like the rich man, this is too often the only message we hear. That is, to go and sell all that you have and give to the poor -- so that ye shall have treasure in heaven.

But let's read Jesus' instructions to the rich young ruler a second time. "... thou shall have treasure in heaven AND come [and] follow Me." (Matthew 19:21; Luke 12:33)

Now what do you see? Indeed, Jesus didn't focus on the rich man's worldly wealth because He already knew the riches in heaven would not compare. Indeed, as Jesus told His disciples, "In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you," (John 14:2) What Jesus wanted the ruler to focus on was the same message He had given to those who followed Him from the beginning. And by extension to us. That is, "Follow Me!"

Throughout the scriptures (in both the old and the new) the Lord Jesus is continually trying to get us to worship Him in Spirit and in truth. He doesn't need our money or worldly assets, but instead, wants us to become His disciple, wherein our focus too is on following Jesus.

In another place,  Jesus said, "Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that fails not, where no thief approaches, neither moth corrupt ... for where your treasure is, there will be your heart also." (Luke 12:33-34; Luke 16:9; Matthew 6:21)

And then later, after Jesus was taken up, (after His death, burial and resurrection), Peter standing with the eleven on the day of Pentecost were witnesses of how Jesus' words were put into practice. "And all that believed were together and had all things common; and sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all [men], as every man had need." (Acts 2:45; Acts 4:32)

Again, the key missed by the rich ruler? The real question being asked of him was whether he was willing to follow Jesus -- with all his heart, soul, mind and strength. (Mark 12:29-31; Deuteronomy 6:4-5)

As we see, the rich man went away sorrowful for he had great possessions. Sadly, he had stopped short. In many ways, one might conclude that he was interested in the blessings more so than the blesser. Like many, we desire the healing and the miracles but not the healer and miracle worker. Nevertheless, whatever had happened, it is clear the rich man did not hear the rest of Jesus statement -- for he walked away.
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In so doing, he missed the greatest possession of all time -- Jesus who was standing in front of him -- the Lord of glory who came to save His people from their sins, the same God who created us in the beginning having robed Himself in flesh so that we might come to Him -- and have everlasting life.

In other words, Jesus wanted the rich ruler to desire His goodness, and mercy, His righteousness and judgment, His loving kindness and mercies, and His faithfulness. (Hosea 2:7)

One more scripture to consider -- when we are making decisins.

 Jesus said, "Verily, I say unto you - that ye which have followed Me in the regeneration ... when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of His glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father or mother, or wife or children or lands, for My name's sake shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first." (Matthew 19:28-30; Matthew 25:31; Revelation 3:21; Matthew 19:16; Luke 14:26; Matthew 20:16; Mark 10:31)

More to come. Stand in the offering plate.