Clarity

Jesus is very clear. When it comes to what he wants of me, there is no question.

He wants me…all of me. He’s not looking for the insignificant parts. He’s not interested in the part I gave 15 years ago. He wants all of me – now.

Jesus wants the part of me I’ve had a strangle hold on for the past 20 years.

Young and Rich

I was reminded of this truth reading the story of the “Rich Young Ruler” in Luke 18. Here’s the story…

A young man encounters Jesus and asks this question:

What should I do to inherit eternal life?

Jesus, knowing the young man is wealthy, responds asking him to keep the 10 commandments. The man tell Jesus he’s got that covered.

This I find hard to believe, but Jesus doesn’t question him. This may be why Jesus doesn’t question his accuracy on keeping the commandments, Jesus is worried about the young man’s heart. Then Jesus goes in for the kill –

Sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come follow me.

Jesus may have well asked him to cut off his left hand, gouge out his right eye and put another hole in his head. The young man wasn’t having it. Jesus had hit much to close to his heart.

It doesn’t end with our wallet

The young guy leaves, but Jesus isn’t done. He makes it clear He is after anything and everything that has a hold of our hearts (imagine Darth Vader’s famous choke hold).

Here’s the list (Luke 18:29):

• Parents
• Children
• Home
• Wife
• Brother

Jesus isn’t playing around. It’s not a game. He plays for keeps.

Jesus wants the significant parts of you. The things that hurt to let go of. He wants it all.

What’s the true me?

Want to know what has a hold of you? The last time you walked through a significant amount of emotional pain, what (or just as likely who) was the cause?

Not always, but many times, this is exactly what has a hold on you. Pain reveals the true you.

What do you need to let go of? What has a death grip on your heart?

Jesus is coming after it.