What Are We Holding On To?

[hldude]

“What Are We Holding On To?”
By Zach Wood
Matthew 19:16-22 NIV
Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?” “Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.” “Which ones?” he inquired. Jesus replied, “‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’” “All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?” Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.


I was thinking about this story the other day while reading a chapter in a book. I was challenged in the chapter about how this wealthy man couldn’t let go of his possessions to be obedient to Christ. As I’ve considered this story so many times through the years through bible studies and sermons, I’ve often wondered why he was so selfish and could not let go of these things he held on to so tightly. He had so much and yet he turned away and didn’t follow Christ.

As I’ve considered this story more, let’s hold off on raising our eyebrow at this guy. Most of us are not wealthy I would guess. I don’t think many of you own a mansion or have houses in several states or countries you frequently visit. I’m sure most of you don’t have to split up your wealth between many banks because you have so much. However, even though most of us aren’t wealthy, we are rich indeed. We have many things.

While we wouldn’t consider ourselves to be like this rich young man, ironically we are just like him in so many ways! I thought the other day how much I am just like him. I am not wealthy compared to people who are loaded with money, but I am rich compared to others who live with a lot less than I do. As for possessions, I don’t think I have a lot, but when I look around at things I do have, I notice that I do have a lot of “things”. These things can easily take away from my time with God and my allegiance to Him. I am often times very distracted and finding myself filling time with other things than focused on Him.

So, before I pass this rich young man off and raise my eyebrow at him, I need to realize I am so like him in so many ways because there are things that I find hard to let go of if He asked me to. I want these things in my life and often find it hard to get away from them to focus on Him.

How about the rest of you? Do you have things in your life that you’d rather not let go of or get away from just to have some focused time on God? If you think about it for a while, you will agree. My question is…..what are we holding on to?

 

[Eugene]

.
Dear Brother @hidude I do see your point, but I’m wondering if we realize that the young ruler was asking what he needed to do to inherit eternal life in Mat 10:17. I’m supposing works was in his utmost thoughts to obtaining that qualification because Jesus explained the law to him in Mat 10:19, and we’re aware that by works of the law; that ministration of death engraven in stones according to 2 Cor 3:7 will never justify any man because there will always be something lacking. Being born of God we’re now seated in the heavenlies in Christ, have eternal life as sons of God, and have possibility of attaining God’s best for us as we submit to His instruction and leading.

Rom 9:31 But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness.
Rom 9:32 Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;

Blessings in Christ Jesus.

 

[KevinK]

I am non-materialistic to the point that people think I am lying about it. I don't own much, by most people's standards, and I don't want to own much. I have always put a much higher value on a spiritual life, even outside of being a Christian. There is nothing that I own that I wouldn't give up at a moment's notice (except perhaps items of a sentimental value, and even then you have to give it up eventually).

I find that most people, even Christians, find this an incomprehensible value system, and think I am just lying because I can't afford much. I have one friend who has even attempted to give me things like expensive sound equipment, which I gave back. When I explained that I simply didn't want it (several times), he just got a confused look on his face.

Every Christian knows Jesus' direct admonition about material wealth: "Again I tell you, 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.” Matthew 19:24. I have found most Christians simply fail to embrace this rather direct warning, and try to rationalize their materialism. I don't think it is impossible for a rich person to be saved (because He didn't say that), just very difficult. But for something as important as salvation, I think it behooves one to consider the risk.

 

[Brother Mike]

You folks need to re-read Matt 19 and Mark 10 again.

1) What did Jesus try to add to the rich young ruler?
2) Why is it hard for someone with lots of money enter into God's Rule or the way the rule of God works on earth (Kingdom)
3) King Asa had the same issue. Remember what He did?
4) What was the result of giving everything for the Gospel?
5) What is impossible for man, but not with God?
6) Where your heart is your what is, and where is it at?
7) Did Jesus always stop his line of thought and answer someone's direct question, or did Jesus continue to tell them what they actually needed to hear then address the question.

Mike.

 

[daninthelionsden]

There are the trappings of wealth that can exceed just the material objects. That's why Jesus didn't just stop at the man dumping his wealth, but to walk away from its trappings as well. There are things of this world that will have to be released as we close in to the end. Patriotism, family relationships, capitalism (if that is your economic flavor), politics, sports, denominational allegiance, prejudices, friendships, social standings, etc...etc. You can no longer be a worshipper of earthly relationships......one has to be willing to let it ALL go.

 

[smaller]

The scriptural term "rich" does not necessarily automatically relate to "material wealth." "Rich" carries several possible connotations.

There are riches in the spiritual senses.
There are riches in the material senses.
There are riches in the adverse senses, particularly with "rich" denoting "ownership" or as a "slave holder."

Not all is as it appears on the surface of any term in the scriptures. Particularly so with this term, "rich."

The scriptural reality of the "rich" man in the ultimate adverse spiritual sense is Satan, the owner or captor of the unsaved souls of mankind, the slaves of sin, Satan being the slave master or owner. Referencing Ezek. 28:12-14 you'll see this bad actor "covered" with precious stones. Doing an in depth study of those precious gems we'll find those gems also where? Uh, yeah, carried in the "breast plate" of the high priest into the holy of holies. The same "gems" are again seen in the construct of the heavenly temple, in Rev. These gems refer to people and tribes. It's an extremely detailed and long study.

Biblical gemology. Very fascinating engagements!

If, God Blessing, believers are engaged with such, they are 'crowned' with many eternal things. Which "crown" is in mind and heart.

What is the crown that was placed on Christ? Uh huh. A crown of thorns. There, an inverse or adverse gem! The thorn is a direct link to sin and the devil. The devil could not penetrate the "mind" of Jesus, therefore we are shown the external application of this to his flesh. And yes, this showing is FROM GOD, not from Satan.

The N.T. writers show us many applications of "riches." Yes, in the spiritual senses of the terms.

I am particularly sensitive to ignorant applications of the account in question, having witnessed many a sincere believer trainwreck their financial lives over bad and misunderstood applications of that particular account, trying to manipulate and test/tempt God.

IF you hear Jesus in that account, Jesus was addressing that young man's adverse spiritual owner. But nary a listener would hear that with a surface analysis and understanding of the terms, and the Ways Jesus deployed His Heavenly Delights.

Can the ultimate "rich man" enter heaven? NOPE! But you'll never perceive this matter until you discover that Jesus was not addressing an external wealthy person in those statements of fact.

 

[daninthelionsden]

The scriptural term "rich" does not necessarily automatically relate to "material wealth." "Rich" carries several possible connotations.

There are riches in the spiritual senses.
There are riches in the material senses.
There are riches in the adverse senses, particularly with "rich" denoting "ownership" or as a "slave holder."

Not all is as it appears on the surface of any term in the scriptures. Particularly so with this term, "rich."

The scriptural reality of the "rich" man in the ultimate adverse spiritual sense is Satan, the owner or captor of the unsaved souls of mankind, the slaves of sin, Satan being the slave master or owner. Referencing Ezek. 28:12-14 you'll see this bad actor "covered" with precious stones. Doing an in depth study of those precious gems we'll find those gems also where? Uh, yeah, carried in the "breast plate" of the high priest into the holy of holies. The same "gems" are again seen in the construct of the heavenly temple, in Rev. These gems refer to people and tribes. It's an extremely detailed and long study.

Biblical gemology. Very fascinating engagements!

If, God Blessing, believers are engaged with such, they are 'crowned' with many eternal things. Which "crown" is in mind and heart.

What is the crown that was placed on Christ? Uh huh. A crown of thorns. There, an inverse or adverse gem! The thorn is a direct link to sin and the devil. The devil could not penetrate the "mind" of Jesus, therefore we are shown the external application of this to his flesh. And yes, this showing is FROM GOD, not from Satan.

The N.T. writers show us many applications of "riches." Yes, in the spiritual senses of the terms.

I am particularly sensitive to ignorant applications of the account in question, having witnessed many a sincere believer trainwreck their financial lives over bad and misunderstood applications of that particular account, trying to manipulate and test/tempt God.

IF you hear Jesus in that account, Jesus was addressing that young man's adverse spiritual owner. But nary a listener would hear that with a surface analysis and understanding of the terms, and the Ways Jesus deployed His Heavenly Delights.

Can the ultimate "rich man" enter heaven? NOPE! But you'll never perceive this matter until you discover that Jesus was not addressing an external wealthy person in those statements of fact.

You're attempting to make a rather straightforward verse into something very complicated with hidden meanings that only you can unlock? Over complicating a verse is how people come up with left field explanations of the Kingdom suffering violence and trying to say we're better than John the Baptist.

 

[smaller]

You're attempting to make a rather straightforward verse into something very complicated with hidden meanings that only you can unlock? Over complicating a verse is how people come up with left field explanations of the Kingdom suffering violence and trying to say we're better than John the Baptist.

To think that by giving up external worldly riches gains us access to heaven, that is, in short, a "works" based posture, plain and simple.

Won't happen.

 

[daninthelionsden]

Christ brings us into a relationship of obedience as He writes His law on our hearts......we had better let the Master Potter shape and mold us in His image.