Friday, January 10, 2014

Everything we've got

“When we find a way to save millions of lives, to give hundreds of millions of families the ability to make a healthy, productive future, we should give everything we've got.” ~Melinda Gates
Melinda Gates, Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Bill and
Melinda Gates Foundation makes remarks at the launch
of a Global Partnership on Maternal and Child Health on
March 9, 2011 at the Ronald Reagan Building in
Washington, DC.  They introduced a new partnership
between the US Agency for International Development,
the Government of Norway, The Bill and Melinda Gates
 Foundation, Grand Challenges Canada and The World Bank
 that will seek innovative solutions to reduce maternal and
 child mortality in developing countries.
AFP PHOTO

So as Jesus walked out into the street, this fellow came running up and asked, “... how can I get eternal life? What do I need to do?”

Jesus said, “... You know the rules: Don't murder, don't commit adultery, don't steal, don't lie, don't cheat, honor your father and mother.”

He said, “Teacher, I've got that.  I've done all that since I was a child!”

Jesus looked him hard in the eye and loved him! He said, “There’s this one thing left: go sell everything you own and give it to the poor. Then come follow me.”

The man’s face clouded over. This was the last thing he expected to hear, and he walked away with a heavy heart. He was holding on tight to a lot of things and wouldn't let go.

To his friends, Jesus said, “Do you have any idea just how hard it is for people who ‘have it all’ to find God’s kingdom?” The disciples didn't get it, but Jesus kept on: “You can’t imagine how difficult. I'd say it’s easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye than for the rich to walk that particular path.”

Watching someone walk that particular pathway is such a stunning joy.