Christ Church Daily Devotion Dec 15 2023

In this Daily Devotion, Jesus is approached by a man who asks how to gain eternal life. Jesus tells him to follow the commandments, but the man asks what he still lacks. Jesus then tells him to sell his possessions and give to the poor, but the man is saddened because he is wealthy. Jesus explains that it is difficult for the rich to enter heaven, but with God, all things are possible. The man's focus on his possessions prevented him from truly seeking eternal life. Jesus loved him and invited him to repent and follow him, leaving the choice up to him. The lesson is to choose Christ and meditate on his love for personal growth and impact on the world. Welcome to Christ Church's Daily Devotion for December 15th, 2023. Today we will be reading from Matthew chapter 19, verses 16 through 26. Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life? Why do you ask me about what is good, Jesus replied? There is only one who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments. Which ones, he inquired. Jesus replied, you shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony. Honor your father and mother, and love your neighbor as yourself. All these I have kept, the young man said. What do I still lack? Jesus answered, if you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then, follow me. When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. Then Jesus said to his disciples, Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God. When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, Who then can be saved? Jesus looked at them and said, With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible. This man was motivated more by his possessions than his desire to have eternal life. Max Lucado expresses the encounter this way, More than anything this rich man needed to see the poverty of his own heart, that he was chronically guilty of breaking the first three commandments. He loved the value and valued created things more than he treasured his creator. He needed a savior. The scene is sobering and encouraging all at once. Jesus felt a love for a man with a best of heart. He invited him to repent and to come and follow him. Then he left the choice to him. That's still the way Christ's kingdom works. Today's personal worship option. Is Christ calling you today? The choice is yours. Choose wisely. Meditate on Christ's love for you. And the impact that has on you, your family, your community, and the world.