Today’s Reading

II Samuel 4-6; Luke 18:18-43

Selected Verses

As the ark of the Lord came into the city of David, Michal the daughter of Saul looked out of the window and saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, and she despised him in her heart. 2 Samuel 6:16

And he said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who will not receive many times more in this time, and in the age to come eternal life.” Luke 18:29-30

Reflections

David knew that cost of obeying God over pleasing his wife. Michal, who grew up in Saul’s household, must have imbibed some of her father’s disregard for God’s commands. When David began to worship God publicly, she found his enthusiasm disgusting. She ridiculed David, but David did not waver in his commitment to worship God and give due honor to the One to whom he owed his life and his throne.

Jesus’ encounter with a rich ruler led to an insightful exchange between Peter and Jesus. Jesus’ command that he sell all that he had and follow Him had offended the ruler. Peter reflected on the reality that he and his fellow disciples had left all to follow Christ. Jesus promises him and them that everyone who leaves his house and family for the kingdom of God would receive many times more in this world and then eternal life in the next age.

Think about it

Sometimes faithfulness to Christ comes down to a permanent rift with close family members. Have you determined to sell all and go follow Jesus? Do not make the fatal error of the rich ruler who could not part with his stuff in order to gain eternal life. In the words of the old gospel song:

I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold;
I’d rather be His than have riches untold;
I’d rather have Jesus than houses or lands;
I’d rather be led by His nail-pierced hand
Refrain:
Than to be the king of a vast domain or be held in sin’s dread sway;
I’d rather have Jesus than anything, this world affords today.

© 2017 John A Carroll Used by permission