“If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to [the] poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." (Matthew 19: 21)

"Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to [the] poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."  (Matthew 19: 21)

The rich young man considered Christ's offer and turned away.  Why did he reject this historic offer of Jesus?  Probably he did not believe that the promised treasures in heaven would be better than what he enjoys here and now through his wealth.  If we truly believe in the promised treasures of heaven, our values and life would be markedly different.

Jesus continues....

"And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more, and will inherit eternal life."  (Matthew 19: 29)

The rich young man should have responded with this scripture:

"LORD, my allotted portion and my cup,
you have made my destiny secure.
Pleasant places were measured out for me;
fair to me indeed is my inheritance."  (Psalm 16: 5 - 6)

Lord, without you, we are nothing.  Give us the gift to embrace your call and the grace to see the hope that your call holds for us.  Amen!