We have been reflecting on the story of the rich young man this week. He has done much, and with his many riches, he seems to be a success story, yet he asks what he must do to inherit eternal life. He is seeking real meaning in his life. Perhaps he might add the question, “Who must I be to gain eternal life”?
This young man
could not let go of what filled his ego. He could not surrender to God by coming to and following Jesus then. He was not ready to hear his inner voice. He needed more, and the answer was within him. Surrender and transformation are necessary to find God’s voice and presence within us.
What does the transformation look like? Jesus tells us not to cling to anything but to share what we have with others, to come to him in prayer,
and to follow him - imitate him in being and action, not just walk behind him in following rules. Scripture tells us that Jesus went to pray and referred to the Father in all his life circumstances, including during his passion and crucifixion. We must do the same – to be in a real relationship with God, receiving and offering love and guidance on our journey.
Jesus promises that those who live for God will reap a hundredfold in this
life on earth and in heaven. However, it will not be without persecution in this life. We bear a cross while living in the joy and peace of God. God accompanies us in the crosses we bear, lives in us, and redeems us.
Here is life's paradox: "Many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.” Those seen as successful in this world may not be truly so now or for eternal life. What success will I choose? Will I trust that
living in Jesus is the answer?
Will I go deep within myself and allow God to tell me what I lack gently?
What trace of myself would I like to leave behind in this world?
When did I feel alive this week? How does this encourage me to speak, be and act?
Do I long to connect to God just as God longs to connect to
me?
“God loves each of us as if there were only one of us.” Augustine of Hippo
Reflections by Kath Knowles