January 27, 2010
Matthew 19
Mike Schwiebert
Sometimes I have thought that Jesus’ conversation with the “rich young ruler” was unfair. Here was a guy wanting to do the right thing, yet Jesus questioned him and pushed him away. Even the disciples seemed to be surprised at this rude and harsh behavior.
I like this guy and his initial tenacity. Many people would have walked away after Jesus’ first response – but not him.
After Jesus’ second response? The guy hangs in there: “Right. Got it. What else?”
Following Jesus’ third response? He walks away.
Had I been there, I wonder how many questions Jesus would have asked me until I walked away?
Yet I am there, and so are you. Scripture, sermons and circumstances probe us with questions that reveal our heart and demand a deeper level of commitment to Christ. Are we following or walking away?
I choose to follow and not hold anything back. What about you?
A native of Carrolton County, Missouri, Mike Schwiebert is in his third year as Grace Covenant’s Media Director.
