Today’s Readings:
Ezekiel 24:15-24
Deuteronomy 32:18-21
Matthew 19:16-22
Few encounters in scripture will shock you like Jesus’ encounter with the rich young man. The shock is neither because he was rich nor young. It was the fact that he wanted to know what to do in order to enter heaven: “Teacher, what good deed must I do, to have eternal life?” He knew that being rich does not guarantee happiness. Do you know this? Jesus spelt out the things he needed to do and shockingly, he said that he had kept all the commandments. Really, all of them?
Jesus listed the Commandments as follows:
You shall not kill — The young man knew that murder, abortion, back-biting, even getting high on alcohol, drugs, intoxicants and hallucinogens all fall under this category.
You shall no commit adultery — The young man was chaste, he did not fornicate. Masturbation and use of porn were far from him. He did not have lewd conversations with persons of the opposite sex, he did not condone or encourage homosexual relationships. He disciplined his eyes and dressed modestly.
You shall not steal — He did not take advantage of others in business or corner someone’s money. He returned lost items to their owners and gave to charity.
Do not bear false witness — He was truthful, he never lied to protect anyone, he was law-abiding, obeying traffic laws, never jumped queues or inflate a budget for personal profit.
Honour father and mother — He respected his parents, obeyed constituted authorities, never disrespected an older relative or neighbour and was humble.
Love your neighbour as yourself — He never held a grudge, he spoke well of everyone, he would give to anyone who asked him for money, he looked out for the well-being of his neighbour, not minding if they would return the favour or not.
The rich young man did all these and was still at a loss as to what the kingdom of God entails. Most of us have not even started keeping the commandments. We are simply making up our version of what is right and wrong, good and evil as we go along. ‘We neva start! Awa matter still long.’ Despite the young man’s impeccable observance of the commandments, he was still far from God. If he is far, we are farthest. God have mercy upon us (in my best Ghanaian accent). Jesus pointed him to the path of perfection: “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come follow me” (Matthew 19:21).
Christian perfection consists in following Jesus Christ selflessly. We are mostly selfish. We, just like the rich young man, are only interested in gain and not in God. Hebrews 12:2 says, “For the joy set before him, Jesus endured the cross, scorning its shame, and is now sitting at the right hand of the throne of God”. Are you ready to walk in Jesus’ footsteps?
JUDE-MARY OWOH
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”
If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and report to the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to seek perfection in You.
Lord, deliver me from selfishness.
Lord, deliver me from foolishness and falsehood.
Lord, fill me with the knowledge of Your will.
Lord, help me to do you will and find peace. Amen.
May God grant you wisdom to know what is right and pursue it and flee from evil. May your steps lead you to joy and prosperity and everlasting life. Amen.
Comments