A Right Relationship With God

The key issue that drove the rich young ruler to Jesus in Matthew 19:16—26 is that he wanted eternal life. He knew that it was achieved by having a right relationship with God, but he had doubts on how to obtain that right relationship.  That is why he came to Jesus.  Jesus showed clear signs that he had such a relationship with God and could tell others how they could also have such a relationship.  The problem, though, was the price—everything!  All of one’s reputation, finances, time, abilities…everything!  No wonder this young man’s pursuit of Jesus stuttered and he thought he had heard the absurd—‘sell everything, give the profit to the poor, and follow me! 

But the price of God stays the same—you must pay all. As Jesus similarly told Nicodemus in John 3 you must become as a child once more as God now parents you through life.  Telling you what is good and bad for you, rearranging your priority lists, and having the final say in everything you think and do.  Yes, the price is everything!

Yet, that is the problem we each now have in the Christian life.  We find it hard at times to be adult, yet a child.  You may presently be going through a situation where you really want something but God is not giving you an ‘okay.’  It is tough, but please remember that what you gain far outweighs the cost.  No wonder Jesus describes it in a parable as a pearl of great value that one sells everything to obtain— “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it” (Matthew 13:14—16).

Is there something that hinders you today from letting God parent you? Is there a fear, a pleasure, a status, a goal that keeps you from trusting God? As you start your day please remember that the greatest treasure is to find life in the eternal God by letting Him lead you. Only then will you experience life as He intended for you to live it.

‘Father, help us to trust you for more than just deliverance from eternal judgment. Help us this day to grow in our love and dependence on you. Make our experience in walking this way today be so wonderful that we will pursue your presence every day of our lives. Amen.’