I like the story about a boy who wanted his dad to buy him a set of weights to build his muscles. Pleading with his father in the sporting-goods section, he said, "Oh, please, Dad--I promise I'll use them every day." The father answered, "I don't know, Michael. It's really a commitment on your part." "Please, Dad? I'll use them; I promise. You'll see." Finally the dad relented. He paid for the equipment and headed for the door. But after a few steps, he heard his son behind him say, "What! You mean I have to carry them to the car?"
Wanting to be fit and healthy is one thing; doing what it takes to get there is quite another. This is true for developing spiritually as well as physically. Knowing that God loves you is one thing, but being open to his love and leading each day is something else entirely.
In our reading for today we have the story of a young man who isn't sure if he loves God enough to give up everything for him. But even if he isn't certain about loving God, God is certain about loving him. As Mark puts it, "Jesus looked at him and loved him."
Whatever decision this young man made, there was nothing he could do to make Jesus love him more, and nothing he could do to make Jesus love him less. But was he willing to do what it would take to enter the Lord's love?
Father, you know our hearts. Please bring us to deep love and commitment to you. Above all, help us see how much you love us in the gift of your Son, Jesus. Amen.
About the author — Kevin DeRaaf
Kevin DeRaaf is the director of Resonate Global Mission, the Christian Reformed mission agency working in more than 40 countries around the world. With a focus on encouraging others to join in God’s mission where they are, Kevin believes that God’s purpose for the local church is to shine as a community of love and grace, showing in tangible ways that Jesus is the hope of the world. He and his wife, Jacquie, have three children and four grandchildren and live in Burlington, Ontario.
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