"go and sell your possessions and give to the poor…." – Jesus in luke 12:23
why do i feel everything on the inside of me cringe when i hear these words? why do i suddenly start reaching for my stuff and not want to let go? i find myself trying to explain away these radical Jesus statements. "oh this can't possibly pertain to us today?" "this was for the people in bible times" "i mean does God know how much i could sell all my stuff for?"
as i'm debating this text the thought running through my head is "hey i've totally particiapated in this, that yard sale i had last month was killer. i'm really on to something!" i mean isn't that what this scripture is all about. i had stuff and sold it. God even showed up! people were practically throwing donations at me. and i still have tons of STUFF that i could sell in another yard sale before launch. heck yes! count me in yard sale. but what about the rest of the scripture? the "and give to the poor" part. where does that come in? is Jesus telling me to sell more possessions or give more away? i get a sense that there is so much more to this that i can even comprehend. this might be an invitation to a way of life. being Jesus. living out the radical statements He often said. you know "all in." it's funny i've been seriously walking with Jesus for about 3 years now but still find my heart being confronted on the things He said.
"freely you recieved, freely give" matthew 10:8
O Jesus, i hear you. i really do. help me. give me the grace to rise and follow. i love you. i choose you. you are my life.
