READING: Hosea 11-13, Matthew 19
The young man came to Jesus and asked Him an important question: “‘Teacher, what good must I do to have eternal life?’” (Matt 19:16). His question implied that he wrongly assumed he could gain eternal life through his good works, but it also implies he was concerned about eternity. Apparently, even his faithfulness to keep the commandments—which he claimed—was not enough to convince him that his eternity was secure. Something brought this issue to mind for him.
Perhaps he had some near-death experience that frightened him. Maybe a loved one died. He might have even heard a testimony of someone recently saved, and he saw something different in him. Whatever it was, the young man asked the right question. The problem was that he made the wrong choice: he chose his possessions over giving his life to God.
Today, I must consider what I choose to prioritize over God. Even as a child of God who has never questioned his salvation, I know I still struggle with my own idols. I sometimes let my emotions trump my faith. I too often cling to possessions and plans more than I cling to God. My question may not be, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?”; it is, however, more often, “What’s in the way of my living the life God has given me?”
So, I needed the reminder of this story today. I needed to hear again that God must be first.
PRAYER: “God, grant me faith to give up anything that hinders my relationship with You.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Hosea 14, 2 Chronicles 26-27, Psalm 61, Matthew 19