PRaP 10-25-2005

"The Rich Young Man"

16Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do
to get eternal life?" 17"Why do you ask me about what is good?" Jesus
replied. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey
the commandments." 18"Which ones?" the man inquired. Jesus replied, " 'Do
not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false
testimony, 19honor your father and mother,' and 'love your neighbor as
yourself.'" 20"All these I have kept," the young man said. "What do I still
lack?" 21Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your
possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.
Then come, follow me." 22When the young man heard this, he went away sad,
because he had great wealth. 23Then Jesus said to his disciples, "I tell
you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24
Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a
needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." 25When the
disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, "Who then can
be saved?" 26Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible,
but with God all things are possible." 27Peter answered him, "We have left
everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?" 28Jesus said to
them, "I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of
Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on
twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29And everyone who has
left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or
fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit
eternal life. 30But many who are first will be last, and many who are last
will be first.

I hear many people ask how can I get there? Well it is listed in the above
words. We must be willing to sacrifice all that the world had to offer us
in order to walk with Jesus. When He returns, can you give up everything
to follow Him? I mean everything! Jobs, homes, cars, boats, money,
children, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters. Did you notice something
that He left out? Spouses. I think that is because Jesus wants you to
bring your spouse along with you on the journey to eternal life. Oh man
this leads right back into "What's Up With Your Stuff" doesn't it? OK who
is still struggling with their stuff? Maybe it's not a material thing
maybe it's that forbidden fruit? Now remember that message that God had
for you this past Sunday? I will repeat it for you. "Thus sayith the
Lord" "KNOCK IT OFF!"

PRaP Matthew 19:16-30