I’m glad that I am in Your hands, Father. Nowhere else is secure, of that I am certain. In these trying times, that is where I want to be.
Luke 18:18-23 (<<click here to read the passage)
Growing up many of us were experts at sizing up portions. Maybe you had a freshly baked chocolate cake for a special occasion and when it came time for dessert, we would eye each piece that passed by us hoping that no one else got a bigger piece than we did and also hoping that we got a bigger piece than everyone else! (Gotta look out for #1, right?)
The older we get, hopefully, that mentality begins to wane. Moms are great at making sure everyone gets a good helping and then they clean up whatever’s left, small or nonexistent. Even when Karen and I go out to eat, on occasion I have to corral my brain. “We ordered the same entrée and her’s looks bigger…hmmm.” And I know that if she thought it was, she would be the first to want to switch plates!
Another thing we might do as we mature is to deliberately offer a larger or better portion to someone else. To those we love we offer the best there is…though on the downside, I doubt many of us would be disappointed if they insisted that we have the better portion…right?
The rich young man in this interaction with Jesus came to Him offering the best He had. In essence, he was wanting to make sure he had all the bases covered when it came to obtaining eternal life in God’s Kingdom. He was a pretty good guy, so I’m guessing he felt pretty confident that he did, he either was concerned that he had all of his ducks in a row or he was looking for a pat on the back for confirmation that he was set. But…he wasn’t…
In a way, Jesus accepted the good portion but then asked for the better portion, too. The rich young man hadn’t anticipated that and became very sad, for he was very rich. v23
By no means was Jesus being selfish. If anything, He wanted what was best for the young man. The young man had given a very generous gift, but in all honesty, he had kept back for himself the most excellent portion of all. It was what he cherished most…and Jesus knew he had done so.
We’ll go on to discuss the next few verses in greater detail but Jesus made it very clear to those around him that those things we hold so dear to our hearts, in the scheme of eternity, will be as nothing in comparison with what He offers to us. Nothing will be given up that won’t be returned many times over, either now or in eternity.
Lord Jesus, You know best. May we wholeheartedly give to You all that we are and all that we have. Then we can stand back in wonder as You have Your way with them in our lives. For us, it is never a loss but a great reward!
Oct 20th, 2020, Tues, 12:48 pm
