Mark Devotionals
[Please do read the passage before (or after) reading the devotion.]
The young man who came to Jesus was rich, and sincere in the way he lived out his Jewish faith. Though I wonder whether he asked that question of Jesus because he actually felt he lacked something, or because he was trying to “cover all his bases”. But Jesus took his question at face value; Jesus never pre-judges people even though he knows what is in each person’s heart (John 2:24). Jesus answers the young man and told him what he lacked. I’m not sure if the man felt he lacked anything. Remember? He’s rich. And that emptiness could be filled only if he (ironically) emptied himself of what prevented him from receiving true treasures – a relationship with Jesus himself. Do you know what you lack? And do you trust Jesus’ prescription to fill it?
Prayer: Father, you have blessed me with so much. And yet I keep running after “things.” After all, if I was filled, satisfied, why would I want more – more “things”, more clothes, more food, more money, more respect, more power? Is it that I don’t know my own lack? Can it be true that the very same things I use to fill my “lack” are really what’s preventing me from being filled by you? Lord, show me myself. Show me what I lack. Then give me the faith and courage to follow your prescription. After all you are the Great Physician! Amen.
