Lord We Need You

Mark 10

Jesus continues to speak with authority to the real issues of the day in Mark 10. Whether it is the heart issues that surround marriage and divorce, the value of each child to their Heavenly Father, the pride that comes from making our own way, making our own righteousness, or striving for position, Jesus nails it with truth and the ability to see within our hearts.

For the rich man, Jesus essentially asked him what was gripping his heart - his possessions, or his stated desire to pursue righteousness. For the believer, the pursuit of righteousness starts and ends with Jesus - with loving and following Jesus. It was and is possible to use what we have for the use of the Master, but we have to give it to Him first. We have to hold all of life with an open hand. To strive to hold onto what we cannot keep is wasted effort.

Jesus asked the man in Mark 10:17 to physically dispose of his wealth. With that, the man, who claimed complete righteousness (following the law "from my youth up"), paused and counted the cost of being a disciple. Jesus was getting a little too real for him.

I believe Jesus wants us to take this same opportunity to stop and count the cost. Am I really willing to give up anything Jesus asks for, or are there things I want to reserve, things I don't trust God to be able to handle for me?

Pastor Kyle Idleman writes:

"Your bank account may well offer the best evidence as to whether you are a (just a) fan or a follower."

From Not a Fan: Becoming a Completely Committed Follower of Jesus, by Kyle Idleman.

Jesus asked this man to give control of his bank account and he demurred. Jesus promises more than riches, He promises His favor.

"Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or farms for My sake and for the gospel's sake, but that he shall receive a hundred times as much ... and in the world to come, eternal life"

Jesus states and demonstrates that the way to that life is through death - a dying to self. He says the startling statement that turns our view of the world upside down, "...but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all."

Is Jesus a worthy master, a worthy teacher, is He who He claims to be - the Son of God? If you hear Him saying to you today, "Follow Me" your response will reveal your answer to that question. 

PRAYER

Lord, remind us of our desperate need for you so that we have the clarity we need to forsake all else and follow you. 

tom albers

 TOM ALBERS | Elder Chairman

Tom committed his life to Christ as a junior in high school in 1975. After moving to Austin in 1995, Tom and Cindy attended Hill Country Bible Church in Cedar Park before becoming part of the HCBC Pflugerville and Hutto Bible church plants. Tom serves as a Small Group Leader and in Youth ministry and in other ministry oversight roles. Tom and Cindy were married in 1986 and are parents to Will, Emily, Clare, Hannah and Nathan and grandparents to Owen. 

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