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In Luke 18:18-30, we see that a religious leader asked Jesus, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?”
If we have asked Jesus into our lives, then we have answered the question. But how many people are asking that question today, and can we give them an accurate Biblical answer?
Jesus understood the person he was talking to at this moment. A religious person who knew the Jewish laws, rituals, and rules. When we witness to a person, we cannot give a cookie-cutter response. We need to hear the person out and know where they are coming from in life. We need to hear their story. Because you cannot just give a canned answer to people. We need to know who we are trying to reach.
Jesus answers the religious person. In verse 20, “But to answer your question, you know the commandments: ‘You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. Honor your father and mother.” He knew the law and told this religious man what he already knew.
In verse 21 – “The man replied, I’ve obeyed all these commandments since I was young.” We see that a religious person focuses on what he is doing rather than on what God has done and is doing in our lives.
Jesus responds by saying, “There is one thing you have not done. Sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then, come, follow me.” Verse 22
How many of us are willing to give up our desires and follow Jesus? Are we really following Jesus? Are we willing to surrender and give it all for Christ? Are we willing to say Yes to Jesus and no to ourselves, our plans, our goals, our ambitions?
Lord, help me today to follow You and Your plan for my life daily!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Pastor Ronald Squibb has been the International Christian Center (ICC) Lead Senior Pastor at Staten Island, New York, since 2011. He draws on many experiences from his over 40 years as a pastor and from significant emotional experiences.
His new book, Following the Journey with Jesus, which he co-authored with Daniel McNaughton, was recently published and is receiving rave reviews. The daily devotion appears in this publication.
