Devotionals

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Are You Holding Back?

Mark 10: 20-22
And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these things have I observed from my youth. Then Jesus beholding him and loved him, and said unto him, one thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come take up thy cross and follow me. And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.

Question #1

Do you have anything in your life; you would not be able to get rid of if Jesus asked you?

No doubt you’ve heard this story countless times, but it is worth revisiting from time to time. This young man was familiar with the law – after Jesus reminds him of the commandments, he quickly responds with, “Master, all these things have I observed from my youth.” He obviously attended the ‘right’ church, and had been raised the ‘right’ way, but Jesus looked past the outside and could see the deep recesses of his heart. Jesus knew there was something that held this young man back – and that which he held back, is exactly what Jesus required!

Question #2

Is there something you are holding back?

Remember man looks on the outward but God looks on the heart. We can look the part and act the part and some of us may even sound good, but God knows the depth of our heart. He knows what and if we are holding something back!

The ultimate decision falls at our feet. Read verses 22-27, Jesus didn’t change his mind when the young man walked away – He didn’t say, ‘okay maybe we can make some concessions.’ He didn’t compromise - He allowed the man to make his decision!

I’m not saying go out and sell your possessions! I’m asking us all to search our hearts – ask God to reveal anything in our lives that we are holding back! Bring to the surface anything we have a white-knuckled grip on – that would keep us from picking up our cross!

You see, in order to carry our cross we can not be burdened down with baggage! We must be attentive to the voice of God. We must not think so highly of ourselves, that we come to believe all we have to do is obey the commandments and God will overlook everything else. He will not force us to let go, but He ask us to let go and take up our cross and follow Him.

Jesus was dealing with this young man over his possessions – but what stands between us and the cross is not always money or things. I challenge you today to search your heart and life and take inventory. Is there anything you could not let go of, if Jesus asked?

Lord, thank You for Your love. You are the perfect example of sacrifice! You didn’t have to go by way of the cross, but You chose to. You are asking us today to make a choice and we ask You to search our hearts. Lord, bring to the surface any thing or person or issue that we are holding onto that we need to let go! Give us the strength and wisdom to be able to lay it all down – if you ask us! We want to follow You not in words only – but with obedience in every facet of our lives.

In Jesus Name, Amen

© Jounda LaMance September 26, 2006

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