Matthew 19:23-24

Matthew 19:23-24 (ESV): “23 And Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you•, only with difficulty will a rich person enter •the kingdom of heaven. 24 •Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter •the kingdom of God.””

The riches of this world are deceitful. They cannot deliver on the promises they offer. The most joyful people are those who possess the eternal riches of heaven. Pursue these things!

Jesus had an encounter with a man who was rich, young, and powerful. For all intents and purposes, this man had the world by the tail. Yet he was empty. He knew he lacked eternal hope, so he came to Jesus asking how to obtain it. In a nutshell, Jesus told him he would never possess eternal hope until he laid down his idol of worldly wealth and position. It wasn’t the fact that he had these things that was the problem, but that these things had a hold on him. When Jesus told him to sell all that he had and give it to the poor, the man went away sorrowful.

Are worldly riches the most important pursuit in your life? You know they are when all your time, energy, and focus are given to that end. The issue is not being wealthy. The issue is allowing wealth to rule your life. Only the Lord deserves that place in your heart. Use all that you have to bring Him glory, and you will never be in danger of being controlled by wealth. May He be your main pursuit!

Father, thank You for showing us the potential hazards of this life. Keep our hearts free from any idols, particularly the riches of this world. In Jesus’ name, amen.