What Shall I do?

Scripture Focus

What shall “I” do to inherit eternal life? Based on (Mark 10:17-22 )

¹⁷ And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?

¹⁸ And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.

¹⁹ Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.

²⁰ And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.

²¹ Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.

²² And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.

I am so thankful for God’s great mercy has given me new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade – kept in heaven for you and anyone who receives Jesus as their savior.

 What is an Inheritance

Simple definition: An inheritance is what you get from someone without you having to “do” anything.

Truth is, there is nothing anyone can do to “inherit” eternal life. Jesus, the Son of God, already did what was necessary for everyone to have an abundant life and have eternal life after this temporary life on earth.

A Short, Short Story

Centuries ago, when Jesus lived on earth, a rich young ruler asked Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? I love Jesus. He asked him, “Why you call me good? Ain’t nobody good, but One, that’s God.” In other words,  you calling me God? You know the commandments: don’t murder, steal, lie/cheat, commit adultery; honor your daddy and your mama….

Oh yes! the young man replied, Teacher, I have kept all the commandments since my youth. NOW, what he probably should’ve asked, “What should I do to be your disciple and follow you?”

Based on Jesus’ conversation with the rich young ruler, it was obvious his keeping the Law of Moses (Ten Commandments) was not enough!

I love Jesus!

Jesus said to the young rich ruler, “You still lack one thing,”

“Oh! Wow! Just one thing?” the rich young ruler asked eagerly.

No doubt, he was certain he could handle one thing since he’d obeyed all the commandments since youth. Maybe Jesus would ask him to make a sizeable donation to the ministry or give a donation to help the food pantry feed the homeless. Maybe he’d be asked to help a few families in need.

 Instead, Jesus looked at him with sympathy and compassion, knowing the condition of his heart and lack of understanding.  I love Jesus! Jesus graciously and in a merciful tone gave the rich young ruler instructions on what to do, “Go sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you’ll have treasure in heaven. Then come, take up your cross and follow me.”

Sadness overwhelmed the young rich ruler and went away sorrowful at Jesus’ words. He wasn’t willing to give all his stuff, because had a lot of possessions. He couldn’t let go of his possessions.

Point of Application

Faith! The one thing the rich young ruler lacked. We must be willing to give up all in order to gain more by following Jesus. Faith in Christ is the requirement to follow Jesus. Following Jesus requires obeying His teachings and instructions.

The truth? We don’t own anything. The abundance that we have is to help others.

The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it,
    the world, and all who live in it;
² for he founded it on the seas
    and established it on the waters. (Psalm 24:1,2 NIV)

Do not be like the rich young man and walk away from the greatest opportunity of your lifetime. He believed the cost was too high to let go of all his “stuff”, all his possessions! It’s obvious, he didn’t realize the value of eternal life compared to having “things” in this temporary life.

What to You Think?

Do I think he was serious or was he challenging Jesus? Or was he looking to gain more without giving up anything? I don’t know. What I know is, to walk away from following Jesus. is foolish! It’s obvious he assumed that “doing” something that did not cost him anything would give him eternal life. He had mastered religious duty by observing the law since youth.

The Faith Test

Unfortunately, he failed the test of faith, trust, and unconditional love based on relationship and giving to help others. Following Jesus Christ is the greatest privilege. We have the best benefits that others who reject Him don’t have.

Therefore, we should tell ourselves there is nothing “I” can do on my own to inherit eternal life. The only thing that “I” am required to do is to follow the One who has already carried out the plan that makes it possible for me to have eternal life. Not only should we tell ourselves, but we should tell others this good news– There is nothing anyone can do to “inherit” eternal life. Jesus, the Son of God, PAID IT ALL

Conclusion

Remember, when we want more for ourselves without letting go of what we have, to follow Jesus, we will always come up short; lack one thing—faith in Jesus the Christ. Like the rich young ruler, our inability to deny self will cause us to reject what we need most-a genuine relationship with the Lord.

In case you are saying, “I am not rich. I’m good.” This doesn’t apply to me.” Actually, it does. It applies to us all.

Rich or poor, young or old, man or woman, boy or girl, black, brown or white should ask, “What shall “I” do to be Jesus’ disciple and follow Him to inherit eternal life?” Do you want to know the simple answer? Believe that Jesus is the Christ, and that God raised Him from the dead. Be willing to give up all to follow Jesus. Let go, get rid of idols…anything that is more important than a personal relationship with Christ and having treasure beyond compare in Heaven forever!

The time is NOW!!