Today we are reading Matthew 19. In this chapter we read about the deceitfulness of wealth. “And behold, a man came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.” He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.” Matthew 19:16-22 ESV There is a myth of wealth that makes a person think they have everything under control. Jesus knew that about the man in this passage. Jesus drew him in by appealing to his pride—the man was proud of his good behavior. Then Jesus lowered the boom—“now give all your stuff away!” How would you respond to that? What would be the hardest “thing” for you to give up? May God bless you and keep you from letting any “thing” from becoming a “god”. Pastor Tim
