Today’s scripture: Luke 18:18-27 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Angie Eden):
A certain ruler asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
One of my favorite commercials during the recent Super Bowl was the one with a red M&M seated at a piano, belting out Meatloaf’s I Would Do Anything for Love. In the beginning, delightful scenes of true love unfold and then — the animated piece of candy gets to the line, “But I won’t do that.” The scenes change from sweet to sour as the poor bit of deliciousness avoids being eaten time and time again. I suspect we all would do nearly anything for love and, like the M&M, we all draw our own line saying, “But I won’t do that.”
In the scripture today, a young man is told an inconvenient truth. Though he had followed all rules and regimens, the one thing Christ asked him to do, he couldn’t. Parting with our most prized possession seems too much of a sacrifice. The immediate is valued over the future. It’s difficult to see beyond our comforts, our enjoyments, our treasures.
A little research of this passage suggested that this is the only instance in the Bible where Christ is rejected. For some reason, this side-note made me feel even sadder for the young man. Really? The only time the Messiah is turned away is because of money? And then I’m nudged to an understanding that the “line” is different for us all. For some, it’s money. For others, it’s work or material possessions or whatever the heart holds on to when the spirit says, “Give.” Whatever we say, “I won’t do” may be exactly what we’re asked to do.
I feel deep sadness for this young man, also, because I believe had the young man given to Jesus what he asked, Jesus would have given it back, multiplied!
Thought for the day: For today, give God thanks for your many blessings and then offer them back. Pray, “Loving Creator, as you give, so do I. Let nothing keep me from Your love and Your plans for me.”
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.