Daily Bread 2-28-19
Matthew 19:20,21
20. The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?
21. Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come follow me.
ref. - Lk 12:33 - Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in heaven that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.
Do you believe the God knows your inner most being? In this scripture we find that he knows this man even over all of the holy acts and clean living that he had done. He knew exactly what was holding this man from being free and from putting God as his first priority. Basically, God knew what this man loved more than him. In this case it was money and possessions. It was the things that make the world see importance and strength, but not the things of God. Just as he knew this man, he knows each one of us. He gives and he takes away. When it hurts the most is usually when we have to let go of something or someone that we hold near and dear to our hearts. It is even possible to love another so strongly that we put them in a seat that was not made for them, we make Gods of them. And the jealous God that we serve will not have that. The truth and fact of this matter is that not one other will be standing in front of God when our time comes, we will stand alone. Neither our riches, our importance on earth, our good deeds, or even our loved ones will weigh on God's mind when he judges us, it will be solely on whether we fit into the category of "He will be our God and we shall be his people." So, today, if he somehow shows you how to draw closer to him, or if he shows you to let go or to grab onto something, pray and do it. It must be in line with the scripture and must agree with the gospel that we have been given by Jesus Christ no matter what it is. If we feel that we are being led by God to be disobedient to his commandment and this gospel, we are listening to the wrong spirit. The Spirit of God will lead us into obedience and holiness in the scripture and the gospel. Just as this man was told what would help him, we will also be told. It will be either within ourselves if we possess the Holy Spirit or by men led by the Holy Spirit and in the scripture. It is up to us if we listen or not. In this story the man walked away sorrowful. We may have a hard time letting go, but just as the scripture says in verse 26; But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. He can perfect us and he will if we will just have faith and follow Christ. Kneel at the cross, Jesus will meet you there!! Have a great day!!!