When is the sale?
“When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” – Luke 18:22
Here is another passage that so many legalist want to explain away and I guess I have heard almost every conceivable spin a person could put on this. The funny thing for me is that the people that want to “spin” this are the very ones who want you to look just a few verses prior and use it as the gold standard as to why we should follow the law.
In verses 19-20 Jesus said:
“Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘You shall not commit adultery, you shall not murder, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, honor your father and mother.”
So doesn’t this mean that even with Jesus we should keep the top 10?
Then the rich young ruler said something interesting – keep in mind the Bible is Not an accident – it is exactly the way God wanted us to have it at this exact moment!
Vs. 21“All these I have kept since I was a boy,” he said.”
Isn’t it interesting that the law Always ask for MORE!
Illness – be it psychological, physical or spiritual is when we demand, crave or seek MORE!
Jesus knew that this young man like most in that place and time and even today was on the religious hamster wheel of MORE – instead of the spiritual path of less – as a result He taught His central theme:
You will Never have and you can Never earn Anything more valuable than a Love based relationship with God which is offered Freely to all that simply Follow Me and Not the law!
Thank God for beloved Christians like you. I am sure that you must often be frustrated by “religiousity” in many (as I am), but your liberating message is Christ centred and vital to the spiritual growth under the Power of the Holy Spirit.
Do not stop your important ministry. I pray for your blessing from above. In HIM. Phil
Praise God Brother!
I appreciate your encouragement so very much! The word desperately needs to be shared that He Alone Is Worthy of All Praise for the Things He has Done and The Gift He provides!
Thank you so much – God has used you to bless me in a Mighty way today!