Feb 22, 2018 – Mark 10
Jesus looked at him
and loved him. "One thing you lack...Go, sell all you have and give to the
poor... Then come, follow me." Mark 10:21
The most loving thing
needing said is often the hardest thing to hear.
“You have a problem with ______”.
Hearing the statement from a trusted mentor was certainly
uncomfortable. While that blank could
have been filled in with many accurate words, it’s never easy for Pete to hear
any of them coming from someone whose opinion matters so much. But that was exactly why he listened and
asked questions. Knowing the statement
came from someone who loved him and desired the best for him made it safe
enough to consider the advice.
How much more when Jesus looked at the rich young ruler and
told him he had a problem with riches.
The Rich always struggle with riches – because they take so much time
and energy to manage. It can easily turn
into a problem. But more of a problem is
the defensiveness that comes with someone confronting it. Jesus gave the rich man truth to consider,
and he walked away, missing out on the chance to follow Jesus and know the Son
of God personally.
But Mark records something more than just the conversation
& response. Mark shares that Jesus
preceded the comments with something crucial to every difficult conversation…
Jesus looked at the man & loved him.
We have no place confronting anyone we don’t know. Jesus looked at this man and sized him up as
only Jesus can do. He started with a
relationship. Then Jesus loved him
enough to say something – knowing it was going to be difficult to hear, but the
most loving thing he could share.
Jesus loves you and me enough to tell us the truth as
well. The fact is that most of us ARE
RICH! If you live in America, you would
qualify as a rich young ruler. While the
prescription might be adjusted, Jesus would still tell us we have a
problem. We have a problem with
sin. We have a problem with riches. We have a problem with obedience. We have a problem with selfishness &
pride… with unforgiveness… with devotion to God… with a host of issues.
Jesus offers the prescription, and loves us enough to tell
us. And the end result is more freedom
to follow Him. So if you know what the
problem is, now the question is whether you will do what Jesus says &
follow Him, or walk away.
Love tells us what needs to be said, even if it is the
hardest thing to hear. And Love responds
to truth with obedience, even if it is the hardest thing to do. It may be uncomfortable, but maybe it’s time
to listen to our Divine Mentor, and consider his advice.
Then maybe – we won’t have a problem with _________.
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