What Must I Do?

Daily Reading: Mark 10

Scripture Focus:  And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” (Mark 10.21)

Devotional Thought: In Mark 10, today’s chapter, Jesus is met by a young man who really wants to participate in God’s eternal kingdom.  He thinks he’s got the inside track on it, but he wonders if something is missing.  He wants to make sure, so he asks Jesus straight up: “What must I do to inherit eternal life?”

What must you do to inherit eternal life?

• "Ask" Jesus about the condition of your soul!  Nobody knows the heart but God, and nobody can change the heart but God!  If you really want to be close to someone, you pay attention to what they are saying.  To do that with God, be silent before him and read his Word.  In his Word, “the secrets of your heart will be laid bare.”

• “Go.”  There is an outward movement in the quest for eternal life.  In this passage, Jesus undeniably links our inheritance of treasure in heaven with our engagement in the world. Following Jesus is more than “making a decision for Christ.”  It is living in relationship with "the poor" around you.

• “Come.”  We don't go just anywhere.  We don't go alone.  We are to follow him.  Jesus sold everything he had, leaving the riches of heaven to come to the poverty of life on this planet.  When we are engaged in this world’s needs we are in the company of Jesus.  But more than that, in order to inherit eternal life, we are to follow him in surrender and holiness!  Following Jesus means living a spiritually and morally pure life

Ask Jesus.  Go out.  Come near.  Pretty simple.

Prayer: Jesus, what must I do to inherit eternal life?  Show me specifically, Lord, what I may be lacking.  Then help me to respond to your answer and to go out in service to others and in surrender to you.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 20.1-5

1 May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble! May the name of the God of Jacob protect you!

2 May he send you help from the sanctuary and give you support from Zion!

3 May he remember all your offerings and regard with favor your burnt sacrifices! Selah

4 May he grant you your heart's desire and fulfill all your plans!

5 May we shout for joy over your salvation, and in the name of our God set up our banners! May the LORD fulfill all your petitions!