WEALTH, SACRIFICE, AND REWARDS

Bob Mills

THE RICH YOUNG RULER

The account of the rich young ruler just precedes our thought for today. By man’s judgment, he had lived an excellent life. He had not violated any of the commandments of God; he had accumulated great wealth, and we are told that Jesus loved him. Surely, he could have felt secure that he would have eternal life, but he lacked one thing. His wealth stood between him and the Lord, and he loved it too much. He knew in his heart that there was something lacking. That is why he asked the question, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?“ And he went away grieving. He wasn’t prepared to make that sacrifice.

ONE THING WAS LACKING

Mark 10:23-31 (King James Version)

23 And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! (Matthew 19:23)

24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! (Mark 1:27)

25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. (Matthew 19:24)

26 And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved?

WITH GOD, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE

27 And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible. (Matthew 19:26)

28 Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee. (Matthew 4:20-22)

29 And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, (Matthew 6:33, Matthew 19:29, Luke 18:29)

30 But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life. (Matthew 12:23)

31 But many that are first shall be last; and the last first. (Matthew 19:30, Matthew 20:16, Luke 13:30)

GOD WILL NOT BE IN DEBT TO YOU

The tithe is his, but give beyond that and he will bless you in another way. Leave your home and travel the earth for him and he will replace what you have left behind with something where you are, home, family, country, and the time comes, your heavenly home. No one can out give God, but neither can we rob him. (MalachI 3:10)

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