The Cost of Dependence ~ Mark 10:17-31 ~ Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost ~ October 14, 2012

One of the first things Elizabeth and I discovered about each other is that we are both very cost-conscious people...

We are coupon cutters and bargain hunters—and we never pay full price for anything.

That’s why we buy “Crispy Hexagon Cereal” instead of Crispix for breakfast...  That’s why we drink Dr. Thunder instead of Dr. Pepper...  That’s why we enjoy meals out at Arby’s more than we do the really fancy places...

The struggling economy has forced just about all of us to be cost conscious.  At the same time, none of us enjoys a super-abundance of time and energy.  There are always things that we would love to be able to have and to do—but there’s only so much of ourselves to go around.  Every purchase and every commitment we undertake comes at a cost—and there always comes a point where the cost becomes too much...and we must say no, and walk away…

This was indeed the case for the “would-be” disciple in today’s Gospel...

He runs up to Jesus, kneels down before him, and asks, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?

Now this would seem a strange question for him to ask, because he has kept all of the commandments.  He firmly believes that he has not fallen short of keeping God’s Law, and yet, there he is, begging.  “What must I do?”

But Jesus does not tell him what he should do.  Jesus tells him what he lacks, what he must receive—and what he must become to receive it...

Here is a man who is used to relying on his riches and his righteousness in order to gain whatever he’s needed.  These are his security.  These are what he has built his life upon; these are what give his life meaning and purpose.  But to inherit eternal life, he is completely dependent on the mercy of God in Jesus Christ—just like a person who’s poor; just like a person who’s a sinner; just like a child.

To inherit eternal life, he must become as one who is dependent on God for everything.  But first, he must suffer the loss of everything.

This is why he goes away grieving.  He cannot let go…

Now we may not have much in common with this rich man.  None of us has the wealth of kings and queens to be able to buy whatever we want—and I don’t think anyone here would honestly say that they’ve kept every commandment perfectly since birth.

But we, too, struggle with the problem of cost when it comes to following Jesus. 

When Jesus calls us to follow him, there are a lot of things in our lives that we would rather not let go of, because they bring security and meaning and even enjoyment to our lives.  It’s not that Jesus is telling us that we literally have to divest ourselves of everything we have, but he is teaching us that we cannot be attached to them.

Have you ever found yourself thinking, “as long as I have this or I can do that, everything will be okay?”  We become attached to wealth and health; our careers, our relationships, our interests.  We can’t imagine life without them because we build our lives upon them.  We do not want to lose of them, let alone let go of them.  But we know all too well how quickly these can disappear; we know all too well the turmoil and the pain when we suffer the tragedy of loss…

Today, Jesus is calling us to let go of everything we count on to bring us security and meaning and enjoyment, so that we become fully and completely dependent on him.

But these words are an invitation; not a demand we have to meet in order to become fit for heaven.  These words are an invitation for Jesus to become the one who meets your needs and guides you through life.

When we become dependent on Jesus, he will be our Savior.  He will provide for our daily needs.  He will give us strength to make it through tough times.  He will bring joy and meaning and purpose to your life.

So if you are ready to become a disciple, you begin by giving Jesus the first-fruits of who you are and what you have.  You give Jesus the first moments of your day; giving him thanks before you enjoy your meals; giving him the first-fruits of your treasures before you buy the things you need and want.  You begin by striving to meet the needs of others with the same urgency as you meet your own.

It is not too high a cost to put Christ first because you will receive treasures in heaven as Christ comes to rule in your life.  God’s promises will become more real to you; and he will become the one sure rock and fortress for you to build your life upon.  God will not fail to take care of you, whether times are good or times are tough.

Today, God’s Word announces to you that the Holy Spirit is going to be working on your heart and transforming it so that Jesus is your Lord.  Your life will not be rooted in that which is so easily lost, but instead in the unfailing and amazing grace of God.  So don’t be afraid of what the Spirit will do, because you will taste the goodness of the glorious future that awaits you.