December 3 I Tuesday

Ezekiel 45-46

1 John 2

“In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be My disciples.”

—Luke 14:33

Children enjoy taking risks. Sometimes in our Christian life, we stop being childlike and start playing it safe. We reduce our Christian life to a comfortable set of beliefs about God rather than an adventurous encounter with God. We rate the Christian life on the ability to check the boxes and say, “yes, I believe this, this, this, this,” but we know little of the adventurous encounter with a living God who takes us beyond where we have been before.

There are some kids, when they get to a certain age, who will save up their money, maybe even get a job and work all hours to save their money until they have enough for something they want. They will take it all out and spend it all on one thing. Some of us may say, “That’s reckless and irresponsible but anyways, you’ll grow up.”

Yet, that is exactly what Jesus said the kingdom of heaven is like. He says, “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field” (Matthew 13:44). Just in case the disciples did not understand the point, Jesus gives another illustration of what it means to have a willingness to risk everything for this one thing. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it” (Matthew 13:45-46).

We can never live the Christian life until we are willing to give everything up for Christ and take a risk. If we are not willing, what we get is a dull, mundane Christian experience where we count very carefully, “What am I going to give to God? What am I going to put into world missions? I can only afford this much.” But there is no risk.

C. T. Studd was a wealthy Englishman and one of the Cambridge Seven. He was converted through the ministry of D. L. Moody and felt God call him to the mission field. He gave away all of his wealth as he believed in faith for God’s provision in his life. When we read of C. T. Studd’s stories and his diary during his time in the mission field, he writes, “Funds are low again, hallelujah! That means God trusts us and is willing to leave His reputation in our hands.”

Like C. T. Studd, are we willing to take a childlike risk and surrender everything for the treasure we have found in the Lord Jesus Christ?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I trust and surrender my life into Your hands. You are worth more than any treasure in this world. Thank You for being my provider and sustainer. Amen!