Matthew 19:16-22 ASV, Mark 10:10-22 ASV and Luke 18:18-23 ASV

This is quite possibly one of my favorite stories in the bible even though it's painfully heartbreaking. Here we have a man that is obviously upright- he follows all the rules, keeps the biggie commandments and has done so since he was a kid. But even he knew something was missing. There must be more to this serving Jesus stuff than following rules. He was correct. After doing all the stuff he thought he had to, there was one thing he had overlooked. One big thing. Huge. He had to die to who he was basically. I mean, he's referred to as the rich young ruler. I take that to mean he's rich, he's young, and he's in charge of some folks. Jesus told him that in order for him to have access to the relationship he desired, it meant giving up who he was- selling those riches, giving up the wealth and notoriety and following Jesus. Ouch. Seems many of us have been the rich young ruler at some point inour lives. God asks for something that we are unwilling to part with and so we walk away empty. Giving up who we (think we) are is too daunting. But this is the cost of discipleship- laying down who we are, our agenda, our plans, our reputation and following. When Jesus asked the dsiciples, they dropped what they were doing (fishing nets) which is who they were. They took on a new role, a new job and followed. This guys couldn't do it. He counted the cost and it was too great. I lvoe that Jesus looked at this man (verse 21) and loved him. He loved him. And he says he only lacked one thing. One! I feel like I lack a million things. This guy was trying to live right. He wasn't some big mean sinner. He was a nice guy that tried to do right by people but in the ned he couldn't completely surrender. He couldn't give God what he wanted. Seems we'll offer God an array of other items in those moments that He specifically asks for something in our lives. I don't want to be this guy. I want to count the cost as he did but I want to gladly give up who I am, what my will is and follow.