Luke 18:18-34   The young man comes to Jesus with an important.. vital question, "Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?"  

Jesus answers with a life-changing question.."Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone."   Did the young man truly believe that Jesus was "good"?  Did he believe that Jesus was God?
The answer to that question is vital to the discussion to come... And vital to our own lives as well...

Jesus reminds the man that he knew the commandments.. and the man agrees and proclaims that he has obeyed them all..

"And when Jesus heard this, He said to him, 'One thing you still lack; sell all that you possess, and distribute it to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me." 

Here is the bottom line.. the test of true belief in Jesus.. in God... will you surrender it all for Him?
All your wealth, all your family, all your life?  Do you believe that Jesus is God and trust Him with all that you possess on this earth?

Do you desire treasure on earth or treasure in heaven?

"How hard it is for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God!"  Jesus states.  And, his disciples.. and everyone else who hears this.. are shocked!  How can anyone be saved?

Jesus tells us the complete truth.. "The things impossible with men are possible with God." 

No one is saved except for the impossible grace of God.  No one.. rich, poor, strong, weak, wise, or foolish.. no one.

Peter has something to say.. "Behold, we have left our own homes, and followed You."  
Yes, Jesus answers him.. "... there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who shall not receive many times as much at this time and in the age to come eternal life."

The apostles laid up their treasures in heaven.  They had no treasures on earth.  But, God would meet every need and bring them into the glory of heaven.  Except Judas.. who valued the earthly treasures more than the promise of eternal life.

We must examine our own hearts.. have we left behind the treasures of this world to follow Jesus?
Do we truly believe that He is good and that we can trust Him with our lives here on earth and then for eternity? He requires nothing less...

Father in heaven,  I desire to live for You and to store up treasures in heaven and receive the eternal life that is in Christ Jesus alone.  Thank You for doing the impossible in my life!  Thank You for every loved one who lives for You and seeks You first.. Your kingdom and Your righteousness and trusts You to provide what we need in this world.  Be glorified in us, Lord.  You are our great Treasure and we want to follow You all the days of our lives.  Help us to truly believe and to truly surrender all to You in this new year..  In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.