Matthew 19:16 Then someone (a wealthy man) came to Jesus and said, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” 17 And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.” 18 He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; 19 Honor your father and mother; also, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 20 The young man said to him, “I have kept all these; what do I still lack?” 21 Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” 22 When the young man heard this word, he went away grieving, for he had many possessions. 

Jesus meets a man who has been diligent in keeping the law, which is a good thing. But since the man is interested in taking his faith to the next level Jesus offers a very different kind of challenge. Rather than giving him another rule to observe (he’s obviously good at following the rules) Jesus suggests he sell his possessions, thereby placing himself in complete dependence on God for his needs. The man would no longer be able to count on his wealth to sustain him. But instead of embracing the challenge the man “went away grieving, for he had many possessions”.

It would seem there’s something about complete dependence on God that activates the Kingdom of God in a unique way. When Jesus sends his disciples out in pairs in the gospel of Luke chapter he tells them to take no money or food or extra clothing, but that God would provide for them. It’s in this state of dependence and trust they are able to heal the sick they encounter along the way.

This morning I’m wondering where the Lord may be inviting me to grow in my dependence on him. And I’m wondering how this dependence might increase my capacity to serve the Kingdom of God. Lord speak for your servant is listening. Amen.