by[26] Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” – Matthew 19:26 (NIV)
One time, a wealthy man came to ask Jesus what he needed to do to have eternal life. And Jesus asked whether he had been following the commandments in the law. The rich young ruler said yes. Then Jesus increased the testing. He told him that if he wanted to be perfect, he should go and sell his possessions and give to the poor so that he could have treasure in heaven. But the man walked away sad because he didn’t want to let go of his wealth.
Many people have assumed that by Jesus’ second request to the man, becoming His follower means one should be poor. But that’s not true. If Jesus was after the man’s money, that was what He would have asked him first. He told him to sell his possessions because He wanted to eliminate mammon from the man’s heart. He wanted to deliver him from the love of money in his heart. Why? Because Jesus knew that nobody could serve both God and mammon, and this principle has not changed to date. I’ve not been in the business world for long, but I have found this true in several lives. If a person indeed follows after getting money, he won’t have time or even desire to serve God wholeheartedly.
But Jesus confirmed that it is hard for rich men to enter God’s kingdom. Why? Because of the spirit of mammon. He likened a rich man entering God’s kingdom to a camel passing through a needle. Impossible. Right? Yeah, for men. But with God all things are possible.
Don’t be afraid if God sends you to preach the gospel to an unbelieving but rich personality. The person may not count on your words. But keep pushing the gospel and allow God to speak to the person’s heart. Since God desires all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth, He will ensure rich people who encounter the gospel will be spoken unto in their hearts.
You’re a blessing.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for making the impossible possible in my life. Help me to obey You and not be trapped by the love of money. In Jesus’ name. Amen!
Devotional Code: KGD – 2025 – 167
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