Devotional:Obedience is a Choice: Matthew 19:16-26

“But when the young man heard this statement, he went away grieving; for he was one who owned much property” (Matt. 19:22, NASB).

I am often guilty of speeding down the highway. I am guilty of breaking the law. I know what the posted speed limit is, but I choose to ignore the speed limit. I have somewhere to go, and I cannot get to my destination on time if I drive within the speed limits. As I speed down the highway to my seminary class I am often reminded that I am speeding. The speed limit is posted, and I see it clearly. I choose to speed because for me it is more important that I get to my seminary class on time than to drive within the speed limit. Yes, for me obeying the law is important, but I can choose to drive within the speed limit and be late for class or I can drive at a faster speed and arrive to my class on time. There is no one forcing me to make a choice. I must choose myself what is most important. The law says one thing and I respect the law, but I have my own reason for choosing to disobey the law. My obedience and disobedience is a choice.

He was a rich young ruler. He was accustomed to obeying the law. He associated with people that were diligent to keep the law. Yet, in his inner being he was not at peace. Something was missing, but he did not know what was disturbing him. He had heard about a young teacher. He was a miracle worker, healing the sick of all manner of disease and infirmities. This young teacher was different from the regular religious leaders and rulers of the Jewish people. His ideas of what the law really meant were often different from the other religious leaders. The young man made a choice. He would go a talk to this teacher. He wanted to be sure that he would have eternal life.

The young ruler came to Jesus. He said, “‘Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may obtain eternal life’” (Matt. 19:16, NASB)? Jesus told the young ruler to keep the commandments. Now this would not be a hard thing for the young man to do. “‘All these things I have kept; what am I still lacking’” (v.20)? There has to be more. I can sense it, but I do not know what it is. “‘If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; and come follow Me’” (v. 21).

The young man made a choice. “He went away grieving; for he was one who owned much property” (v. 22).

Jesus gave the young man an opportunity to be complete; to have eternal life. Jesus did not demand that the young man do what He said that he ought to do. Jesus allowed the young man to walk away. It was his choice. He could choose to obey Jesus’ words or he could choose to disobey His words. You and I must make choices about many things in life. Our most important choice is whether or not we will choose to obey Jesus or disobey Him. Obedience is a choice.

Prayer: Lord Jesus we choose to obey your commands and have eternal life. Amen.