Sacrifices and Submission:   What Are You Willing to Walk Away from that You Might Obtain Christ?

A Devotional Based on the Parable of the Rich Young Ruler

(Read Matthew 19:16-30)

In the 19th chapter of Matthew, a rich young man approached Jesus and questioned Him concerning what actions he needed to take to obtain eternal life.  When Jesus first advised the young man to keep the Commandments, he responded that he kept all of them.  Somehow, though, he perceived that something was missing because he continued to press Jesus for further information.   When Jesus told him to go, sell all, give unto the poor, then “Come and follow me,” the rich young ruler went away very sorrowful.   He was unwilling to walk away from his riches to obtain Christ.  If the rich young ruler had been willing to sacrifice his natural wealth and submit to Jesus by trusting him, it is even possible that today we would be speaking about thirteen Apostles rather than twelve.  Jesus’ call to the Apostles was also a simple, “Follow me.”  The difference between them and the Rich Young Ruler?  They forsook all to obtain Christ.

Jesus’ call to this young man is no different than His call to each of us.  Every individual has to be willing to sacrifice his way of life and aspirations.  Each of us must submit everything that we have to the Lordship of Jesus.   Total submission is required if we are to obtain Christ.  Some may even have to step away from the religion that they chose for themselves to follow Christ:

Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and      touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you  2 Cor. 6:17.

Others may have to sacrifice other things that may be equally important to them.  What we all must remember is that no matter what the cost, Jesus is worth any sacrifice necessary.

And a final word to those who have made the required sacrifice to follow Christ, know that at some point the Enemy of your soul will attempt to challenge your decision to submit to Christ.  He may attempt to make you go back to the “shacking” situation that Jesus called you out of, or he may try to entice you to return to smoking cigarettes or drinking alcohol when life’s pressures come against you.  Just remember that the same things that it took to obtain Christ are what will be necessary to keep Him.  Continue to sacrifice and submit your will and your way.  In so doing you will secure riches in Heaven and eternal life for your soul.

Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father, help me each day to become more willing to lay my all on the altar of sacrifice.  Search me daily to assure that I hold nothing back from you.  I desire to submit to Your Will.  In the name of Jesus, I pray.  Amen.