Jesus and the Hipster

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give

you hope and a future.”

Jeremiah 29:11

Jesus and the Hipster

Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?”

“Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.”

“Which ones?” he inquired.  

Jesus replied, “‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’”

“All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?”

Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.

There is something about this story we often miss. We always focus on the literal reading of this story but neglect its message. Perhaps Jesus was literally telling the man that in order to get into Heaven he had to sell all of his belongings (because his stuff – coffee shop, obscure bands, thrift store clothes -- had become his god). Or perhaps there is another layer to the story. Maybe Jesus was prompting this man to have a change of heart, to turn his materialistic ways. In fact, the word repent means to change your direction.

This story reminds us that nothing on this earth can come with us to Heaven.  "You can't take it with you!"   Your soul is the only thing about you that is eternal. But for some reason we hold too fast to our possessions, our wealth, the latest trend.  But Jesus is telling us, “If you truly want to live a life like mine, you must hold fast to God alone.” “Store up your treasure in Heaven by letting go of it here.”

Now tell me … doesn’t that make you think about your priorities; your spending and giving patterns????

The Next Sermon Series

           

THE GOSPEL JOURNEY (Sermon on the Mount)

July 27, 2014                     Gospel Journey      The “Eyes” Have It

August 3, 2014                 Gospel Journey      Getting Even?

August 10, 2014               Gospel Journey      R U Generous?

August 17, 2014               Gospel Journey      This is the Power

August 24, 2014               Let’s Talk About … Sex.

August 31, 2014               Let’s Talk About … Sex.

I look forward to seeing you this weekend!

Pastor John Parlow