Eagerness
Today’s Scripture Selection: Mark 10:17
“As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. ‘Good teacher,’ he asked, ‘what must I do to inherit eternal life?’”
It must have been a dramatic scene.
A young man, full of energy and passion, falling at the good Rabbi’s feet, to ask how he could live forever.
Jesus, no doubt, met him with a steady gaze; perhaps pulling the man to his feet.
As he did so often, Jesus met a question with a question.
“Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments….”
Then he went on to remind the young man of their religious laws.
The young man enthusiastically – albeit a little naively – said he had kept all the commandments.
So Jesus took it to the next level. He went beyond religious piety to practical action:
“One thing you lack,” he said, “Go and sell everything you have and give it to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
Of course, we know how the story ends. The man – the rich young man – walked away.
How eager are you to have what Jesus offers?
How committed are you to meet the unique requirements he might have in order for you to be really free to follow him?
That, of course, is the greatest – and most important – question we must face.
We can talk the talk – religiously speaking. But can we walk the walk?
Only you can answer that question for yourself.
Prayer: Lord, work in my heart to make me truly eager to have what you offer – whatever the cost. AMEN.
IGW3 - In God's Word, In God's Will, In God's Work 