February 19
Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the Lord our God. Psalm 20:7
It’s easy to say that we trust in God, but it’s not that simple of a statement to make when it really comes down to it. There is an event told in the Bible about a rich young ruler who loved the Lord. He came to Jesus and asked Him what he needed to do to have eternal life. So, Jesus tells him that he should keep his commandments. He told Jesus that he had always kept the commandments, but the young man felt like he still lacked something. Jesus told him in Matthew 19:21, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” But it says that the young man went away sad because he had great possessions.
One thing needs to be made clear about this scripture. Jesus didn’t mind that he was rich – the money wasn’t the problem. It was his love for his money. He trusted in his possessions more than he could trust in Jesus. I’m pretty confident that if he had followed after Jesus, he would have reaped far more than he gave away. That’s just the way the Kingdom of God operates.
The proposition that Jesus presented to the young man is a good test for us all to think about as well. If Jesus told you today to sell all of your belongings and follow Him, would you do it? What about just your phone? I can empathize with the young man going away sad. It would be tough to sell everything I have worked hard to gain. But that is the point, right? It’s only because of the grace of God that we can have our jobs and have the possessions in life that we have. Let’s be thankful for what we have, but trust God alone.
Dear Lord, I thank you for the possessions that I have. Help me never put them before you, but use them to bring glory to your name. I put my trust in you alone. Amen