February 12
We who name the name of the Lord Jesus Christ are fully aware that we are not to expect to be rewarded for the good that we do. We know that any act of kindness or generosity or compassion is what we owe to others because of what Jesus has done for us. He has given us eternal life. Should we not then share of this life’s gifts with others!
His Word compels us to reach out to help meet the needs of those within our sphere of influence. In Luke 18: 18-24, we see Jesus’ encounter with the rich, young ruler who asks Him what he must to be saved. Jesus tells him that he must keep the commandments and the young man assures Him that he has always kept them.
Jesus then suggests that he sell everything that he has and distribute the money to the poor and follow Him. It is at this point that the rich young man turns away sorrowfully, for he cannot bring himself to part with the earthly treasures that he possesses. Jesus’ assessment of him is that he treasures his wealth far more than he treasures the things of Heaven.
Certainly, that young man is not unique among the children of men. Were any one of us to be confronted with that decision, few of us would comply. We know that Proverbs 19:17 says, “He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward him for what he has done,” yet we tend to cling to the things of time. Perhaps we don’t trust Him as much as we say we do!
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