Go sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me. (v 21)
Here is one of the most poignant stories in the gospels. The man seemed desperate to know the Secret he assumed Jesus knew - that is how to receive life now and beyond the grave. Implicit in his request is a dissatisfaction with his current life that was marked by two things - rigid adherence to the law and great wealth. Jesus calls the man to leave the latter behind and to follow him. He can't. The tentacles of his riches have so consumed him he is immobilized.
Before we follow, we must leave behind. Jesus said, 'then come, follow me.' What I need to leave behind will be different to what another will need to turn their back on. What we leave behind is that has power over us - love of money, pride, unbelief - the list is endless. We leave behind that which has effectively been god of us in order that we might walk with Jesus towards the One True God.
Jesus, help me to both leave behind and to come and follow you as I seek the life your kingdom promises.
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