2/27/10 Luke 18
The Grip of Greed
In this passage we read about a ruler who was extremely rich, but has an internal need. We can presume that this ruler had most of what money could buy. He was even sincere about his faith, but there was an uncertainty in his heart regarding his eternity. His morals had not satisfied his uneasiness and neither did his material wealth. When he meets Jesus he recognizes Jesus as a ‘good teacher’ and thought that he would test the waters in regard to what this ‘good teacher’ teaches about inheriting eternal life. Jesus begins with mentioning some of the Ten Commandments that all have a horizontal relationship with others. The ruler affirms his obedience regarding each one. Then this ‘good teacher’ tells him exactly what is necessary for him to inherit eternal life. Repent of your earthly greed and you will gain heavenly treasure, just follow me. Luke 18:23 states at the mention these things the ruler became very sad. Right then he faced a paramount decision; Am I going to continue to follow my greed? Or, Am I going to trust this ‘good teacher’ and believe there is a guaranteed treasure in heaven? Although Luke’s gospel does not tell us what exactly happened, Matthew 19:22 does, and it says that ‘he went away grieving.’ His greed had gripped him.
The said reality is that we are all gripped by greed at different points. Riches can distort what is truly important in life (Loving God and Loving others). I find it utter absurdity that so many spend so much of their lives pursing wealth so others will look at them or their possessions with an envious eye. (Hmm, is that like yesterday’s entry ‘causing others to stumble’?) Hey, look at what kind of house I live in, look at what kind of car I drive, look at what kind of clothes I wear, look at my __________, and on and on.
When it comes to possessions Katie and I like quality and practicality. We like to have quality items so they will last longer and therefore we do not need to spend more money stuff that doesn’t really matter. We are just now getting rid of some shirts that we have had for over 12 years and are still in good shape. We have bought Toyota cars, because repairs are minimal and they tend to have a long life. I could go on and on about this subject.
Think about this… the ruler in the passage is not even mentioned by name, there is no mention of what he ruled, we have no idea what kind of possessions he had, nor do most of us care. In the end obedience to Jesus is all that matters. He spent His life pursuing worldly wealth rather than the ruler of the world.
Prayer: Dear Father, guard me from a greedy heart. I ask that my riches will not distort my view of what is truly important. I confess even now of my areas of greed and covetousness. Put my heart in pursuit of what you are passionate about. Lord, give me the type of faith that will give up every possession if needed to pursue you. Father, if you took it all away now I could say I was so rich, but I pray that I would say I am even richer with nothing but You. Be glorified in my life, my family, and in the use of my possessions. Thank you Father for blessing me with so much, may I finish faithful.