Investments and Returns
Jonah 2:8 “Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God’s love for them.”
Jonah knew what he was talking about. He knew that the lure of other things is strong, so much so that they can eclipse the gospel message in the eyes of one who is charmed by those lesser gods. Mark 10:17-25 is just such an example:
Mark 10:17-25 As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
“Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother.’”
“Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.”
Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.
Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!”
The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”
This young man wanted to follow Jesus...just not more than he wanted to hold onto his worldly possessions. He’d worked hard to earn them. They meant a lot to him. They were hard to release. Didn’t Jesus see their value? This young man couldn’t see the full wonder, beauty and redemptive power of Jesus because he was charmed by his possessions and success. He couldn’t see how releasing his hold on those ‘things’ would give him riches and blessings so much greater than he had ever known. No, he could only see all that he’d worked for, all that was precious to him, was exactly what Jesus was calling him to release. He wanted to be able to follow Jesus and ‘earn’ Heaven while still giving his heart to all that charmed him in this life. Had he truly understood the exchange Jesus was offering, he would have understood it to be the best investment he would ever make.
And what was Jesus' response? Mark says “Jesus looked at him and loved him.” Jesus knew the dilemma this young man was wrestling with. He knew what He offered would bring joy, contentment, fulfillment and eternal security. Yet, the young man couldn’t see it. Jonah was right, “Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God’s love for them.” This young man forfeited God’s love for things that wouldn’t last, things couldn’t give him a relationship and things that offered no salvation at all.
Oh, how our hearts want our sons and daughters to make the better choice!! We must pray that they don’t forfeit the love of God for earthly things. There is no comparison.
“Heavenly Father, Lord of Heaven and Earth, You bless us beyond our comprehension and You promise us an eternal inheritance in Your vast Kingdom as Your beloved child. Oh how we long to sit beside You and hear Your voice. Your Presence is precious to us and Your comfort and love is abundant and glorious. Lord, I pray that (name) would understand how wide, how long, how high and how deep Your love is. And Lord, let them know this love that surpasses knowledge—that (name) may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Father, draw them so they are charmed by You and not this world. Don’t let them forfeit their relationship with You for things that will not satisfy. Let the tarnish of this world’s glitter be evident. Don’t let them turn away from Your love but remain true, now and forever. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
Pray without ceasing.