Mark tells the story of the “rich young man” who came to Jesus, sensing his spiritual emptiness (10:17ff).
The Lord Jesus saw in him a potential “Apostle Paul,” to-be, and yearned for his soul. Jesus extended to him an official invitation to “come, take up the cross, and follow Me.” What a wonderful life could have been his! And what wonderful books he might have written.
But when the young man turned down the invitation, the Lord Jesus did not rain down on him fire and brimstone; He simply let the young man go away and have what he wanted, and enjoy his wealth (as much as he could with a guilty conscience).
Jesus does not force anyone to follow Him; and neither did Jesus seek to entice the young man or beg him or run after him; the Lord simply backed off and let him have what he wanted.
You who read this may not have “great possessions” (although I would be happy if someone rich could read this and give himself to Christ!), but you have what you have and you have your life; Christ’s invitation to the “rich young man” is extended to you; if you respond with what is appropriate—a total consecration of yourself and all you have, He will marvelously bless your commitment.
God’s promises to Abraham in Genesis 12:2, 3, will be fulfilled to you: He will “make of [you] a great nation” (that is, your life will be important in the cause of God); He will “make [your] name great,” that is, you will be someone important all your life; He will “bless thee,” that is, make you happy truly; and He will “make you to be a blessing” wherever you go throughout the earth.
Big deal!
Be sure to check your e-mail for "Dial Daily Bread" again tomorrow.
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