Thursday, October 29, 2015

The stumbling block

"Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me. At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth" Mark 10:21,22




On October 23 in Columbus Junction, Iowa, the newspaper headlines read, "Winner of Cross Country Meet Disqualified After Helping Collapsed Runner". Zach Hougland crossed the finish line to become Davis County High School's first ever cross county district champion. Five minutes later, he spotted another runner down so he jumped back on the course and helped him finish with a small push and some encouraging words. Unfortunately though, that act disqualified him and he surrendered his newly won title. When asked if he would change his actions if he could, Zach replied, "If I could do it all again I wouldn't change a thing because I did what I thought was right."

Mark 10:17-30 tells the story of a rich young man who wanted to follow Jesus. Knowing his heart, Jesus asked him to give up the one thing that he knew would be the man's stumbling block in his Christian walk, the one thing that might mean more to the man than Jesus... his money. In fact, when Jesus instructed the man to go and sell everything he had to follow him, "He went away sad, because he had great wealth." 

The young man from Iowa was willing to give up something very important to him (something they said he had worked all summer for). Would you have done the same? Would you have forfeited the prize to show others Jesus Christ? And are you willing to follow Jesus even if it costs you everything? Whatever your stumbling block may be won't you give it up to answer the call of, "come, follow me"?

Heavenly Father, thank you for the many blessings you have given us. Whether it be ability, possessions, money, dreams or goals, may we be willing to give it away if it comes between us. May we pursue you so closely that we have need of nothing else this world can give us always looking towards our treasure in heaven. May we make the choice today to rid ourselves of any stumbling blocks in the way of following you completely. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

I give myself away - William McDowell



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