I just started the New Testament and I came across Matthew 19 where Jesus is counseling the rich young ruler. The young ruler asks "what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life." (Matthew 19:16). Jesus says to "keep the commandments" (v.17) The ruler goes onto say "All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?" (v.20) Jesus answers "go sell what you have" (v.21) Jesus issues a stern challenge designed to show the man that he has not observed the spirit of the commandments, in spite of his claim (v. 20). In fact, his selfish attitude in making an idol of wealth reveals that he had broken the very first Commandment(Ex. 20:3)
As we read further in Matthew 19:23:24 23 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” Jesus uses an exaggeration to teach that it is impossible for one who trusts in in riches over God to enter heaven. His parallel use of the kingdom of heaven and the kingdom of God show these designations to be synonymous.
I have read this part of Matthew numerous times and it finally hit me that the rich man is not just the rich man in regards to money. It applies to the riches of this world. I always wondered why the rich man was being singled out. I always associated the rich man with a man who made hundreds of thousands of dollars. In reality, it applies to us all and the riches of this world that include, money, entertainment gods, worshiping your family, worshipping your job, sports, addictions and all idolatry. The above mentioned are riches of this world that take away from your relationship with God. In verse 25 His disciples ask "Who then can be saved?" In other words, what do we have to do to enter into the kingdom? Verse 26 says to them "With men this impossible, but with God all things are possible." Jesus is saying that you can enter the kingdom of God if you don't lean on the understanding of men and riches of this world, but will be possible when you lean on God.
Lastly, Jesus tells his disciples exactly what the reward is when we give up all and follow him in Matthew 19-27:29 27 Then Peter answered and said to Him, “See, we have left all and followed You. Therefore what shall we have?” 28 So Jesus said to them, “Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life.
Put God first and receive His rewards in Heaven. Amen.
