January 29
Matthew 19:13-30
If your wildest dreams came true, what would be different in your life? You might wish for a larger bank account, a bigger house, and more stuff, but would these things be helpful? Jesus’ interaction with the young man reveals that the things we value and desire might hinder our relationship with God. We are told the man walked away sad because his great wealth walled him off from drawing near to Jesus. His heart was so full of money, that it had no room left for God. This spotlight on idolatry reveals we all can be tempted to put anything as the ultimate in our lives. We might dream of greater wealth, but what we might conceive of as a blessing could turn into a curse!
Further, Jesus subverts all worldly values by stating, “Many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.” It seemed the disciples needed this constant reminder that what God values is not the same as the world. The disciples tried to rebuke those who were bringing children to Jesus because they considered them a waste of time, but Jesus proclaimed, “the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Citizenship in God’s kingdom cannot be bought or earned, but rather is available to the humble who receive the gift by grace.
Father God, help me to see that greatness comes through your grace and your accomplishments, and not through my own. Amen.
Where do you see values that the world has tried to place on you contradicting the values of the kingdom of God?
If your wildest dreams came true, what would be different in your life? You might wish for a larger bank account, a bigger house, and more stuff, but would these things be helpful? Jesus’ interaction with the young man reveals that the things we value and desire might hinder our relationship with God. We are told the man walked away sad because his great wealth walled him off from drawing near to Jesus. His heart was so full of money, that it had no room left for God. This spotlight on idolatry reveals we all can be tempted to put anything as the ultimate in our lives. We might dream of greater wealth, but what we might conceive of as a blessing could turn into a curse!
Further, Jesus subverts all worldly values by stating, “Many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.” It seemed the disciples needed this constant reminder that what God values is not the same as the world. The disciples tried to rebuke those who were bringing children to Jesus because they considered them a waste of time, but Jesus proclaimed, “the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Citizenship in God’s kingdom cannot be bought or earned, but rather is available to the humble who receive the gift by grace.
Father God, help me to see that greatness comes through your grace and your accomplishments, and not through my own. Amen.
Where do you see values that the world has tried to place on you contradicting the values of the kingdom of God?
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