Wholesale Gospel

Not long ago, I was in Walmart and got to thinking, how come I have to park so far away from the entrance and wait so long at register even when they have 15 or more cashiers running at quick paces? I look around the store and there are people, all kinds of people from every walk of life. I look on the shelves and they are always full and there are several choices, several brands, and several prices to create the “shopping feeling” that some of us pride ourselves. I got to thinking why Walmart is so popular. Perhaps you have too. I think Walmart’s marketing niche is to the shoppers who want a lot stuff inexpensively with the least amount of commitment and loyalty to the products or the store. It’s the American way – marketplace mentality – getting something of perceived value for the least amount of money -- the least amount of pain.

Given this same context, I began to think about the gospel and the parable of rich man. The story of the rich man is a story of a man who truly believed that he was exceptional and believes, without a doubt, that he would inherit eternal life. Jesus listens to the rich, young ruler. After a brief lecture by Jesus, clarifying goodness, the rich, young ruler reflects on Jesus’ lecture and assures himself, and presumably Jesus, that he has kept all the commandments and in so doing has honored God and is deserving of eternal life. He even explains to Jesus that he has done all of these things since his youth.

There is a final statement by Jesus that acknowledges his faithfulness to the commandments, but goodness is not measured by our obedience to the commandments, faithfulness is measured by our commitment to the sick, the marginal, the rejected, the poor and the lonely. Jesus asks for a greater commitment than the a commitment to the marketplace. Jesus says, “There is still one thing lacking. Sell all that you own and distribute the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come follow me” Luke 18:22. The scripture goes on  to say, “But when he heard this he became sad; for he was very rich.” Luke 18:23

 

What Jesus was asking from the rich man is equally as difficult for those of us with moderate income, perhaps even no income. This parable is not so much about giving money to the poor as it is about giving our life, our livelihood, and our very hearts to live a life worthy of kingdom values – Christ kingdom values. Being a disciple of Jesus Christ is not about inexpensive abundance, like the choices at a Walmart store. Faith is not about silly gimmicks and “throw-away” merchandise. Discipleship is about a value that cannot be measured in dollars and cents, sales and savings, choices and full parking lots. No, discipleship is a life change that requires more than one’s status in the world, how much gold is in our financial portfolio, or the number of vehicles we own. The gospel is not wholesale – living out our discipleship with the least amount of effort. No, it is so much more than that and the rich, young ruler may have a problem giving up his choices and probably didn’t care much for Jesus’ judgment that demonstrated worth in the form of sacrifice, but this is what real discipleship is all about. The promise that Jesus gives to us is a truth that can prevail if we can trust him.  He says, “What is impossible for mortals is possible for God” Luke 18:26. May it be so for us today? 

Prayer: 

God, I come to you with my wealth, my  abundant gifts, and as a rich young ruler and  I ask the same question, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” You’ve answered the question with your life. May I be as courageous and strong as you, believing that what is impossible for a mortal, such as I, is possible with God. Amen.