One day, The HOLY SPIRIT showed me something amazing–HE first showed me the Parable of the young rich man (Matthew 19:16-22) who came to CHRIST wanting to know how to obtain eternal life and by what good deed he needed to do…ultimately CHRIST says this: Matthew 19:21 (KJV): JESUS said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow ME.
And then sadly, the young rich man leaves because he cannot part with his earthly belongings…
Then the HOLY SPIRIT took me to the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) about the son who demanded early inheritance and went and squandered it on evil living until he was in worst shape then his father’s servants so he returns home to ask forgiveness of his FATHER in heaven and his earthly father, and then this happens:
Luke 15:22-23 (KJV): But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: 23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
So two different parables: in one, CHRIST recommends taking everything from one young man–in the second, the young man is rewarded and is showered with gifts….so what is going on here? Is GOD double-minded? NO! The LORD showed me that it’s not about the “stuff” you have–it’s about the condition of your heart!
The young rich man just couldn’t put GOD before his “stuff” and the prodigal son realized that all the “stuff” did not mean more than putting GOD before the “stuff”
So is your “stuff” coming between you and GOD–Not sure? Search your heart…
It’s hard to chase after GOD when you’re dragging a lot of “stuff” behind you…
Surrender simply means that you have taken your hands off the controls of your life and given permission to the LORD to do anything HE wants to do with you because HE has a specific plan for your life (Jer. 29:11). What HE plans, the LORD HIMSELF will do it through you (Isa. 46:11; Phil. 1:6; 2:13).
You are allowing HIM to touch any area of your life because GOD is good and GOD is love (Psa. 106:1; 1 John 4:16, 18), knowing that no matter what the devil puts against you it will always end in a glorious blessing (Rom. 8:28). Right now will you simply say to the LORD in prayer that you not only trust HIM with your eternal life but also with your daily life? Will you surrender it all to HIM?
THE RICH MAN VS. THE PRODIGAL
