Looking at the man [who said he had kept all the commandments], Jesus felt genuine love for him. “There is still one thing you haven’t done,” he told him. “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
At this the man’s face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.
Key Thought
The Bible has heart-wrenching stories of men and women who came to know the will of the LORD and yet they were not willing to respond because something was holding them back. I’m sure you know someone — that someone may even be you — who has something holding him or her back from totally surrendering to the will and grace of God. Please pray for that person today. While we cannot ensure that such people will ever respond to God’s offer of grace. We can pray that that God will lovingly confront them with a decision to accept his will, or know if they refuse his will, that they have chosen to reject the call of God.
Today’s Prayer
O LORD God Almighty, I confess that there are times when I want you to reveal yourself more forcefully to friends of mine who will not surrender to your grace, but I know you will not overpower their wills. I know that you want our hearts to submit willingly and not in a forced, coerced, or manipulated and shallow response to your offer of salvation in Jesus. So please use me and my influence to be a helpful, tender, and clear example to my friends who have not decided to follow your Son. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Romans 12:1-2Acts 26:24-29John 5:35-40Ⓒ 1996-2024 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.