In Mark 10:17-30 is the story of what is commonly called the Rich Young Ruler.  In this story Jesus is confronted by a young, wealthy Jewish man and asked the question, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”  Jesus responds with a culturally familiar call to obey the commands of the Jewish faith.  The young man responds, “All these I have kept since I was a boy.”

Jesus then sees the man has a broken relationship with his wealth, challenges him to sell his stuff and care for the poor and gain, “treasure in heaven.” Then He invites him to come follow Him.  The young man leaves with a downcast face because Jesus has seen and identified this young man’s hidden god of wealth.  We don’t know if he had to courage to trust Jesus or not.

This story is a wonderful opportunity for us to have a similar encounter with Jesus – if we have the courage to ask. 

Set aside some time.  Get alone and quiet yourself.  Take a few deep breaths and invite the presence of God to come into your room.  Now, in your mind and heart, come to Jesus and ask the question, “What must I do to increase in eternal life?”

If you have surrendered your life to Christ in repentance and faith in His death on the cross to wash away your sin, you have eternal life.  What I am challenging you to ask God today is, “Lord Jesus, how do I grow in real life, relationship with you?”

As you quiet yourself, and rest before the Lord, what is the response that you sense?  Pay attention to your imagination, your thoughts, your feelings.  Our God is a God who speaks and longs for a more intimate relationship with you.  Consider what happens next.  Your heart may turn directly to distractions, to business, to house work. Pay careful attention to these distractions as they may reveal a false god in your life. Jesus may say, or show many things to you, but the point is to ask and listen; to develop the habit of asking and listening.  This is building your actual relationship with God.  The most common thing Jesus will say, or reveal to you, is that He loves you!

This is a time like never before where our God is calling His people to grow deeply in relationship with Him; to draw near in humility and repentance.  Each one of us has a god or two that needs to be repented of, surrendered to Jesus.  May you have a wonderful experience of repentance and the increase of God’s intimate love in your life today.