What Jesus Did! 'Sadly Away' — Mark 10:21-22

Tuesday, July 19, 2016

Jesus looked at the man. Jesus felt love for him. Jesus said, "There is still one more thing you need to do. Go and sell everything you have. Give the money to the poor people. You will have a reward in heaven. Then come and follow me." The man was very sorry to hear Jesus say this, and he left. The man was sad because he was very rich {and wanted to keep his money}.
— Mark 10:21-22 NLT
Illustration of Mark 10:21-22 NLT — "There is still one more thing you need to do. Go and sell everything you have. Give the money to the poor people. You will have a reward in heaven. Then come and follow me."

Key Thought

The Bible has heart-wrenching stories of men and women who came to know the will of the Lord and yet were not willing to respond because something was holding them back. I'm sure you know someone—that someone may even be you—who has something holding him or her back from totally surrendering to the will and grace of God. Please pray for them today. While we cannot ensure these people will ever respond to God's offer of grace, at least we can pray that they will be lovingly confronted with the decision to accept or reject the will of the Lord.

Today's Prayer

O LORD God Almighty, I confess that there are times when I want you to more forcefully reveal yourself to friends of mine who will not surrender to your grace. I know that you will not overpower their wills. I know that you want our hearts and not a forced, coerced, or manipulated and shallow response to your offer of salvation in Jesus. So please use me and my influence to be a helpful, tender, and clear example to my friends who have not decided to follow your Son. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Romans 12:1-2
  • Acts 26:24-29
  • John 5:35-40

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did is a one-year devotional guide through the gospels, using one short passage each day and following the Gospel in consecutive order. Each devotional consists of a passage, reflection and a prayer which opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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