Monday, February 27, 2006

Invitation

The Lord speaks to me. I know that He does, I've heard Him before, but there is always those certain times that am taken aback that the Great God of the universe, the Jesus who died for me and rose again, speaks to ME.
Lately, it's the word invitation. It is constantly on my mind. It all started in the year 2000, I wanted to sell all I had and live on nothing but Jesus. I did sell everything I could, and lived in Washington that summer. I guess ever since, I've always had a deep, yearning (if you will) to follow Jesus' words to the rich young ruler..."Sell all you have and give it to the poor."
I've heard so many give their opinion on what Jesus really meant.
"Well, we don't really have to sell everything, He just was making them an idol in his life."
Ya that sounds good, but when Jesus said, "Love your enemies" (Matt. 5:44) did he just mean some of them, or did he mean the terrorists too? Or when Jesus said "Go and make disciples of all nations" (Matt. 28:19) did he mean some nations or all nations?
I, personally, know what Jesus means. He doesn't really seem like a guy to beat around the bush. He doesn't seem to sugar coat things either. I guess, from my interpretation, is that Jesus means what He says.
It is interesting because the rich, YOUNG (like me) ruler had everything, and yet... He said "all these things I have kept (the commandments); what am I still lacking." Lacking?! How can he say that!? He is lacking nothing. He is "perfect"; keeping all the commandments, rich, probably good looking. I mean he's got it all, but yet... He was lacking.
And Jesus says, "If you wish to be complete, go and sell you possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me."
That verse has haunted me for the past six years. There is so much there.
Jesus, the Son of the Living God, INVITES us to be complete...lacking in nothing, IF we sell all.
What is mixed up theology!?! But it is my dream. I dream of it all the time, I am consumed. Where some people dream of being rich, I dream of the day I actually have enough guts to sell EVERYTHING and give it to the poor. It is the most radical, moving, inspirational, and freeing invitation ever. It's an invitation to intimacy and simplicity into the heart and lifeline of the Father. He loves the poor, and He invites us into that beautiful simple life. Do you realize how freeing that would be to make a decision to sell everything?
"Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?" -Matt. 6:25
To be continued...

4 comments:

Carla said...

I love it!
I have thought about selling EVERYTHING numerous times, but then I realized if I did I would still be in debt to this world. It's the stupid cirlce that doesn't stop. Needing a car to go to work, work to pay bills...
The heart is to get closer to Jesus and that all that matters anyway! I hear Him now saying, "Do you trust me?"
I love living life with you! Lets make waves in the world together!

Lindsay Blake said...

i'll tell ya how it goes :)

Anne said...

how what goes?

Izzy said...

I wanted to sell evrything when I first got saved. I mean I still do. But I am also learning to embrace the blessings he's given. When I purchased my car in 2003 I was like, this will keep me from going to the nations. Then God reminded me if it was time to go, a car loan wouldn't stop me from going. I am also learning his blessings are so we may share with others. The car has been a blessing to travel to work, to family, friends and various people at CC. Love your heart.