TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” Luke 18:22
Read: Luke 18:22-23
Listen: Luke 18
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Jesus confronts the rich young man with a choice. He sees directly into the young man’s heart and knows what blocks his relationship with God. He trusts his wealth above God. Mark records that Jesus looked at the man and loved him (Mark 10:21). Because of his love for the man, Jesus goes after what’s blocking his relationship with God.
Jesus challenges what hinders our relationship with him too. He loves us too much to leave us where we are. Some of us find our value in productivity and what we can contribute to the world. We may find our worth in our appearances in the form of fitness or fashion. We may place our family first and prioritize our kids’ activities and achievements over everything. Jesus knows we will never find real life in any of ”that” but in him alone. He knows we’ll always feel like we’re lacking.
When Jesus reveals barriers to our relationship with him, we can walk away from him or confess that we’ve allowed these things to take priority over him. The life we’re looking for will never be found in being good enough, other people, activities or achievements. Instead, Jesus invites us to turn those things over to him and ask for his help to follow him with our whole hearts.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Pray and ask God to reveal anything blocking your relationship with him. Write in your journal or mobile device anything that comes to mind. Then confess it to God. “God, I confess that ___________ has blocked my relationship with you. Help me trust in you alone and not these things. I desire to follow you with everything that I have. Amen.”
2022 BIBLE MEMORY PRACTICE
Develop spiritual roots and tap in the power of God’s word by memorizing monthly a Bible verse! View previous verses at beyondtheweekend.org/biblememorypractice.
PROVERBS 3:5–6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
