“And Jesus said to His disciples, “Truly I say to you, it will be hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven. And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God” (Matthew 19:23-24).
We are all rich in the things of this world. Whether it physical possessions, attitudes, or feelings, we have accumulated much. We think highly of ourselves. We cling to the things we have accumulated. It is hard for us because the Lord is telling us to give up all these things. Whether we are money poor and resent the rich or rich and have disdain for the poor, we cling to what we cling to. The Lord tells us to give up what we call our wealth and to live the life for which we have been created.
Lord, I think of rich as money. There is a part of me that asks you to make me money-rich, but no matter how much I have, I want more. But I am rich in the things I have experienced, and I cling to them too. Lord, teach me to die with You and to be rid of all that hinders my walking with You into eternal life. Guide me in the way of righteousness. In human terms it is impossible, but with You, all things are possible.
Lord Jesus, You went to the cross with the repentance I cannot make, paying the price I could never afford, having modeled a life I cannot live without You leading me. You have come to redeem me in order that I may become what You will make of me. Lead me out of what this world calls riches into the true riches of Your grace and mercy. Help me to die to self in order to be resurrected with You. Amen.
