“All are coming to Jesus has the feeling of homecoming upon it. All we’re going away from Him has the sense of estrangement upon it. The rich young ruler went away from Jesus “sorrowful.” Everybody does. Not only estrangement from God, but also estrangement from oneself. And the universe! And from life! You are not at home with life unless you are at home with Life. And Jesus is Life!” ~ E. Stanley Jones
Jesus possessed nothing and had nothing all of His days on earth. He was free to serve God and others. The life of Jesus projected God’s promises and Majesty. God could do all things through Jesus because Jesus lived an empty and free life. Jesus Himself said, “Foxes have dens, and the birds in the sky have nests, but the Human One has no place to lay his head” (Matthew 8:20 CEB).
When we possess nothing, God is free to use our lives in any way God so pleases. Imagine if you would how happy God would be if we were willing and ready at the drop of a hat to serve the kingdom because we were no longer in bondage to ourselves and our stuff. Will we ever learn to possess little to nothing in our lives. When our possessions become our masters, we make ego-driven excuses as to why we can’t serve the kingdom at this time. We must get to the place in life where we possess little to nothing, and God knows we have nothing, then God can do whatever God wishes through our lives. God would love nothing more than for each of us to quickly sell everything we own, getting rid of it all because then there is a chance that God can use our lives to advance the kingdom in mighty ways. When we allow ourselves to run out of gas, we become free at last. We are free for God to pour out oceans of God’s love and service through us on the world.
Scripture Readings
Reflection Questions
- What did you take away from today’s reflection and scripture readings?
- How much has materialism cost you?
- What are the things that get between you and God?
- Why does God need us to be empty and free to get the most from us?
- Why is it so hard for rich people to experience the kingdom of God?
- Did you know that you are rich?
Prayer
Lord, thank You for creating a way for everyone to experience the kingdom of God. Please grant me the courage to empty my life of my stuff so that I can be free and of maximum service to You, Lord. I wish nothing more than for You to use my life in any way You see fit. Please remove the selfishness that is resin in my soul and attempts to drag me into the dark side of life. In Your Spirit and Name, I pray these things. May Your will always materialize, now and forever. Amen.
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