In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul. Psalm 94:19 KJV
It was a crisp morning, the kind that draws you outside, if wrapped in a soft blanket accompanied by a warm cup of coffee. As I settled in and began reading, the heading caught my attention, “A Rich Man’s Questions.” I had always just read on without pausing to deliberate like I did that day.
Luke 18:18 begins with “A certain leader,” asking Jesus, “What must I do to have life forever?” and Jesus responds, “You know the commands,” fully aware that this man knew Jewish law by heart. The nameless ruler responds, contemplating how he’d pursued the religion since he was a boy. Pride swells in his heart, life forever, most certainly assured. “There is still one more thing I need you to do,” the sound of Jesus voice breaks into his reflection. “Sell everything you have and give it to the poor. . . then come follow me.” And the man remains nameless. Too attached to what he holds tightly in clenched fists.
How different his story could have been. But he chose to hold on and remain nameless. I don’t know if this is a literal calling for each of us, but I do know Jesus is speaking about priorities. He wants to be our everything. It’s so much easier to latch on to a doctrine, a set of religious beliefs, in an attempt to find eternal life. It’s so much easier to find security in jobs, money, family, and things, staying just busy enough, to avoid asking the hard questions. It’s so much easier to pass blame and judgment in an attempt to avoid self-examination. But Jesus tells us this is not where we find our authentic life.
In this world of “making a name for yourself,” Jesus waits in anticipation to give us a name, an identity. When we find our identity in Him, we begin to see ourselves differently; no longer focusing on our weaknesses, failures, and flaws. When we find our identity in Him, we begin to see others differently; no longer focusing on status, or color, or sexual orientation, or political party, or religion. We recognize a Child of God. When we stop focusing on our differences and let go of preconceived notions and ideas, we find freedom. When we are willing to let go of anything that gets in the way of spending time with Him, we find our purpose and peace. When He calls me, “Child of God,”. . . “the things of earth grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace. . .”
Another reminder that it is in letting go we find life, life forever. This realization leaves me to question, are the things of earth worth remaining nameless?