For October 11, 2015 – Mark 10:17-31
It is a simple question, followed by a simple answer. Yet for one wealthy man, a simple conversation changes everything. “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” the man asks. “You know the commandments,” Jesus answers.
Jesus senses a deep sincerity in his question, recognizes his seeking heart, and looks upon him with great love. So he tells him honestly, “You lack one thing. Go, sell what you own and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” This startles the man so much that he doesn’t say another word but leaves grieving because he has many possessions. Or we could say, many of his possessions “have” him.
What would Jesus say to you or me? What is our one thing? Of all that keeps us from wholeheartedly following him, what most blocks us and gives us grief? What do we possess that, in truth, possesses us? Likely it’s something good in right measure, but something we have come to depend upon, to identify with, something that causes us to forget who and whose we really are.
In this culture it is apt to have something to do with money, sex or power, but it might present itself in other clothes, such as being responsible, working hard, being loyal and well-liked, taking care of ourselves and our causes. Anything that steals us away from utter trust in God and tries to convince us we are in control is worth trying to give away.
“How hard it will be for those who have wealth to enter the realm of God!” Jesus says. Money is not the only sign of wealth. Think of all we could include here: our health, communities and families, education, engaging activities, houses and cars and books and pets. Practice releasing them all to the care of God. Jesus knows what we’re up against. When he says it a second time he does so gently: “Children, how hard it is….” Children is what we’ll have to become for such a work as this. Only children, or those with childlike spirits, can dwell happily outside the boundaries of culture. Only they see the fun in trying to live upside-down, giving away what the world says matters most. Only they have the courage not to turn away but to follow the leader wherever he goes.
