Rich, Young, and Missing Out

(Reflection by Cliff Johnson)

The man's face clouded over. This was the last thing he expected to hear, and he walked off with a heavy heart. He was holding on tight to a lot of things, and not about to let go.

Looking at his disciples, Jesus said, “Do you have any idea how difficult it is for people who ‘have it all’ to enter God’s kingdom?”

The disciples couldn’t believe what they were hearing, but Jesus kept on: “You can’t imagine how difficult. I’d say it’s easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye than for the rich to get into God’s kingdom.”

I live a blessed life. I have not suffered serious illness or handicap. My children and grandchildren are healthy and happy. My father died in his late 80s and we parted on good terms. My mother is still cheerful at age 94. My marriage has lasted nearly 40 years. I have enjoyed a good career with many hobbies and many friends.

Despite all this, I love the Lord and give thanks daily for all his blessings.

I wrote “despite all this” because I know it is only by the grace of God that I have been redeemed and can have personal friendship with Jesus.

In our culture of abundance and excess, it is so easy to get caught up in accumulation and wealth and excess and indulgence and lose sight of the benefactor of our wealth. It’s become too easy to say, “Look at all I have achieved. Isn’t it good? What haven’t I yet experienced that would be exciting or cool or trendy?”

From the comfortable seat of our recliner chair or sports car it has become too easy to lose sight of Jesus’ great commission: “Go and make disciples of all nations...teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20).

Many of my closest brothers and sisters in Christ love the Lord because Jesus reached out to them at the moment when they hit rock bottom and felt broken beyond the possibility of repair. They cried out “Jesus, Save Me!” And Jesus saved them.

I make regular visits to the state prisons at Stillwater and Faribault. Most of the men who attend our chapel services love the Lord but their allegiance to Jesus didn’t come about until they crashed and burned.

What about the millions of Rich Young Rulers who haven’t hit rock bottom and who don’t feel any pain or need to reach out to anybody? It’s harder for them to experience the joy of walking with Jesus than it is for a camel to squeeze through the eye of a needle. I wish they knew what they were missing. It’s just so hard to get their attention these days.

Touch them, Jesus, with your grace. Touch them through me. Amen.