READING: Matthew 19, Mark 10
TEXTS AND APPLICATION: How much am I willing to give up for God? He has been really good to us — so good that we’ve become accustomed to His blessings. I wonder which of these characters of today’s readings would most reflect my life today:
- The rich young ruler who refused to give up his possessions to follow God: “When the young man heard that command, he went away grieving, because he had many possessions” (Matthew 19:22).
- James and John, who followed God but wanted the best seats in the kingdom: “They answered Him, ‘Allow us to sit at Your right and at Your left in Your glory’” (Mark 10:37).
- Jesus, who knew what was coming in Jerusalem and still set His focus on obedience: “Listen! We are going up to Jerusalem. The Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes,and they will condemn Him to death. Then they will hand Him over to the Gentiles, and they will mock Him, spit on Him, flog Him, and kill Him, and He will rise after three days” (Mark 10:33-34).
I want to be as obedient as Jesus — to be willing to give up my life for the gospel. If I’m fully honest, though, I suspect I’m sometimes like James and John. At my core, I sometimes assume that faithfulness should bring recognition and reward. May God forgive me.
ACTION STEPS: Evaluate your own life in light of the above three responses to God’s call.
PRAYER: “God, make me willing to give up all for You — and to expect nothing for me when I do.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Matthew 20-21