Stan and I were again at the Twelve Baskets Cafe for breakfast and conversation about our faith. As we were enjoying what Cook had prepared for us, Stan asked, “Do you remember the guy referred to as the rich young ruler?”
“A little bit,” I responded. “Wasn’t he the one who chose his riches over following Jesus?”
“That’s basically it,” Stan agreed. “After Jesus told him what he needed to do in order to follow Him, the young guy decided that was too high a cost and he went away to be never heard of again. Earlier this morning, I was focusing on another guy like that.”
“Another rich young ruler?”
“It doesn’t say he was rich or young or a ruler,” Stan said, “but we don’t hear from him again because we don’t know what he decided to do.”
“Decided to do about what?”
“Follow Jesus,” Stan replied. “This guy asked Jesus if he could wait to follow Him after he buried his dad, but Jesus said to follow Him right then and there. No waiting.”
“But we don’t know what he decided?”
“It seems like that’s the case,” Stan said, “but he’s a good lesson for each one of us.”
“What kind of lesson?”
“When God says to do something, the time to do it is now, not later. If we wait, we’re apt to miss the opportunity God has for us to be involved with what He’s doing. You don’t want anyone to wonder, ‘Did he miss the opportunity?’”
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Bible verses to consider:
But when the young man heard this statement, he went away grieved; for he was one who owned much property. Matthew 19:22.
And another of the disciples said to Him, “Lord, permit me first to go and bury my father.” But Jesus said to him, “Follow Me; and allow the dead to bury their own dead.” Matthew 8:21-22.
You follow Me! John 21:22.
And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” Luke 9:23.
. . . choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: . . . . Joshua 24:15.
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for giving Jesus and His finished work on the cross as the way to life with you, the life that begins here and will continue forever. Even though I know I will spend eternity in your presence, I confess that too often while I remain on this side of eternity I do not place following you and your will as the top priority in my life. I choose other things over following you. Please forgive that foolishness and help me follow every step of your lead in prioritizing my walk with you. Thank you I can and do bring these prayers before you in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Think on this: Have you chosen to follow Jesus all the way to heaven in that you’ve accepted life with God through what Jesus accomplished on the cross? If no, why do you choose to remain separated from God both now and forever? If you are a Christian with the assurance of salvation and redemption, how are you doing with making following Jesus the top priority in your life while you remain here? If you sense the desire for change with any of this, how is that change going to happen? Is that what you truly want? Why or why not?
The need: Since God knows what we need before we ask Him (Matthew 6:8), what does He know you need to make following Him and His will for you the top priority in your life? Spend time studying God’s word, praying, reflecting, and journaling to see what God knows you need. He will show you!
Forward: Do you know others who would or could benefit from this devotional? If so, why not forward it and open them to be part of the conversation between Stan and S. Tory Teller?