Crossroads: Are you walking with Jesus or Passing Him by?

Introduction:

“In the early 1900s, Alfred Nobel was a successful businessman. There is a well-known story about the origin of the Nobel Prize, although historians have been unable to verify it, and some dismiss the story as a myth. In 1888, the death of his brother Ludvig supposedly caused several newspapers to publish obituaries of Alfred in error. One French newspaper condemned him for his invention of military explosives—in many versions of the story, dynamite is quoted, although this was mainly used for civilian applications—and this is said to have brought about his decision to leave a better legacy after his death. The obituary stated, Le Marchand de la mort est mort (“The merchant of death is dead”) and went on to say, “Dr Alfred Nobel, who became rich by finding ways to kill more people faster than ever before, died yesterday.” Nobel read the obituary and was appalled at the idea that he would be remembered this way. His decision to posthumously donate most of his wealth to fund the Nobel Prize has been credited to his desire to leave a better legacy.

Similarly, we’re faced with the question: 

What will we be remembered for? More importantly, are we making decisions that position us to follow God with all our hearts so that we can become vessels for His use? What will you be remembered for? A person of “self”, self-gratification, self-storing up, self-comfort or a person that has made an impact because of your willingness to yield to God’s call and instructions for your life?

Comparing Lives:

Today, we’re surrounded by a culture that values wealth, status, and material possessions. But are these temporal values genuinely fulfilling? As Jesus counselled the Rich Young Ruler, He challenged him to let go of his possessions and follow Him wholeheartedly. The young man’s response reveals a dilemma many face—are we willing to remove anything hindering us from following Jesus with all our hearts?

The Rich Young Ruler:

“16 Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” 17 So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. 

But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.” 18 He said to Him, “Which ones?” Jesus said, “‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’ 

19 Honor your father and your mother,’ and, You shall love your neighbour as yourself.'” 20 The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?” 21 Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” 22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

23 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” 25 When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” 26 But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” 27 Then Peter answered and said to Him, “See, we have left all and followed You. Therefore what shall we have?” 28 So Jesus said to them, “Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life. 30 But many who are first will be last, and the last first. – Matthew 19:16-28 NKJV

The Rich Young Ruler’s encounter with Jesus highlights a critical choice we must make. Despite his adherence to the commandments and his privileged upbringing, he lacked a deeper connection with God. His possessions had become a barrier to true discipleship, illustrating the challenge of worldly attachments in following Jesus. He had great possessions. “Jesus never had Him; His possessions had Him.” The cares of the world held him hostage.

Worldly thinking, dependence on material status and security, and the cares of the World “choked” his faith.

Jesus’ Challenge:

Jesus’ call to the Rich Young Ruler was simple yet profound: “Follow Me.” This invitation wasn’t about abandoning material wealth but embracing a life of purpose and significance, which required letting go of things in the heart that would hinder following Jesus. It required prioritising the Kingdom of God over earthly treasures, security and temporary gains and surrendering everything at Jesus’ feet for eternal perspectives.

“You need to be willing to be empty all the World has for you so that you can enter into all the Kingdom has for you.” – Shaun Smit

Comparison of Responses:

In contrast to those who hear but don’t follow, like the scribes and Pharisees or Judas Iscariot, some hear and follow Jesus wholeheartedly, like Peter, Martha, Mary and the Samaritan women at the well. Their lives exemplify the rewards of discipleship and the fulfilment of walking with Jesus daily. The disciples left their fishing businesses temporarily to follow Jesus’ invitation. They did however come back to it and were blessed beyond measure. God is never trying to take things away from us, He is always trying to increase through us. However, we must decrease first, so that He can increase in our lives first. 

“11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. 12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. 13 And ye shall seek me, and find me when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” – Jeremiah 29:11-13 NKJV 

Conclusion:

To truly walk with Jesus, we must be willing to let go of anything hindering our relationship with Him. Just as Alfred Nobel redefined his legacy, we must prioritise the Kingdom of God above all else. It’s not about filling ourselves with worldly pursuits but emptying ourselves to make room for God’s purpose.

The keys to remember: 

1. We are required to seek God with our whole hearts, understanding that our Lives are no longer ours. We were dead in trespasses and sins. So, we had no life before Jesus came. 
2. We must understand the depth of God’s will, enabling us to seek God with the new life we’ve been given. 
3. You need to understand that you exist for the sole purpose of seeking God. Prioritise Him in your choices.

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

“Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the LORD your God with ALL your heart, with ALL your soul, and with ALL your mind.’ – Matthew 22:37

As we seek God with all our hearts, we’ll discover the abundant life He promises and leave behind a legacy of faith, hope, and love impacting lives beyond ours. Now that’s a life worth living!

This blog was inspired by Ps Shaun’s message at Faith Legacy Believers Church on the 14th of April 2024. You can watch the full message below.