Have You Considered Saying Yes?

Have You Considered Saying Yes?

Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.

Mark 10:21-22 NIV

I’ve always thought the story of the rich young ruler is so heartbreaking. This wealthy young man runs to Jesus, falls on his knees, and is excited to learn more about His teachings. Jesus lists the commandments, and the ruler proudly claims that he’s kept all of them. But Jesus looks past the surface and tells him that he must sell everything he has and give it to the poor. The young ruler decides almost instantly that this is a step too far and walks away sad.

My thoughts go to two places: Part of me wishes that Jesus could’ve met him halfway. You know, maybe asked him to give up a little of his wealth. You know? Baby steps. But then I wish the young ruler could’ve seen that what he would gain by following Jesus would ultimately be so much more than any comfort he’d find in his worldly possessions.

Maybe those are my thoughts because I’ve been the rich young ruler. I’ve run to Jesus more times than I can count, excited about the possibility of a new adventure or ministry and then ultimately decided it was more than I wanted to take on. I’ve patted myself on the back for how good I am. I mean, just the other day I didn’t use my favorite phrase (“You can’t fix stupid!”) when that lady cut me off in traffic and almost caused a wreck. In my own eyes I’m like an angel on earth! I’ve built myself up, only to realize that anything good in me is really just a momentary illusion when I come face-to-face with the holiness of God.

Maybe we both need to face the bold reality that sometimes, as much as we love God, we’re limited because we hold on to things He’s asked us to surrender. God invites us into this new thing, but we grip our wealth, our fears, our insecurities, our safety nets so tightly because we don’t really believe that God is going to give us everything we need. And the reality is that He’s going to give us so much more.

How different might that rich young ruler’s life have looked if he had said yes? How different would our lives look if we said yes? What if we took the leap, let go of the familiar and comfortable, and said yes to Jesus? He’s just waiting to take us to places we never could have imagined!



Thanks for reading Pastor Dale’s Mid-Week Encouragement.  It’s not copyrighted so feel free to share it with someone who needs challenged or encouraged today. And, if you’re a regular attender of the Mt. Laurel Church of God, why not consider reading Isaiah 65:17-25 to get yourself ready to hear God’s message through Pastor Dale this coming Sunday, November 16?

Called to know the Way, go the Way, and show you the Way,

^{Pastor Dale}

Pastor Dale (PD) and Pamela his wife are honored to serve the Mt. Laurel Church of God. If this Mid-Week Encouragement has helped you, perhaps it may encourage someone else. Feel free to share this message with anyone you choose. And if you'd like to receive PD's Mid-Week Encouragement, just send an email to (kingdomguy@gmail.com) and I'll accommodate your request.