FROM THE PULPIT: THE CALL OF LOVE

"Then Jesus beholding him loved him and said unto him, one thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up thy cross, and follow me." (Mark 10:21)

Here is an interesting story I came across. Keeping his eyes on the toes of his shoes, a boy shifted nervously. "But dad, how do you always know when I do something wrong?" His dad laid his hand on the son's shoulder and said, "you are my son, I love you, and I can see it in your eyes." As he said this, tears came trickling down his cheeks.

Jesus looked at the affluent young man who was already in charge of so many with a penetrating look. He loved him even though he was self-righteous. Keeping the Ten Commandments yet unwilling to give himself to Jesus. Having the opportunity to obey and follow Jesus, he chose to keep the riches he had accumulated.

What he failed to realize is observing all the laws and commands of his day would not give the rich young ruler "treasure in heaven."

He rejected the love and mercy Jesus offered to him and went on his way with a heavy heart.

Let us pray for eyes like Jesus, full of compassion, so we can look beyond each other's faults and still love with an unconditioned love.