Originally posted on Facebook on Sunday, June 15, 2025.

You know what I find amazing?! In the account of Jesus' encounter with the rich young ruler, the young man walks away sad and Jesus lets him.

This is so contrary to Christian culture today, that tries to convince and convert into a way of thinking.

But Jesus' silence and stillness speaks
volumes. Jesus models true ministry here. He demonstrates that this is not a matter of the head but of the heart.

So He drops seed—the Word of God that pierces even to the division of soul and spirit, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)

The Word is both what is being planted and the implement that prepares the soil.

And if it takes root, like a great tree emerging from concrete, it will tear asunder the foundation of lies and misconceptions of our hearts and replace it with the true foundation of Itself.

But, that takes time.

And like a skilled master gardener, He patiently labors then waits.

When our desire is misplaced—no theory, philosophy, or clever arguments will do—our hearts have to be broken to be saved.

"But [the rich young ruler] was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions."
— Mark 10:22

And, Jesus allowed him to leave—I believe to let the Word do its work. And I think He alludes to this hope in verses 25-27.

“It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
— Mark 10:25

Then verse 27 reads,
"But Jesus looked at them and said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.”

The point being for us to preach and live the Word and trust it to do its work. Salvation is of God, not of man—WE CANNOT DO IT.

I wouldn't want a faith I could be convinced into because I could be convinced out of it.

The goal is not to get them to join the club but to bring them under the conviction of the Holy Spirit who imparts a new heart with a new desire for God alone. (1 Corinthians 14:24-25)

So, we must stop tampering with the seed and trust it to break the hearts where they land.

We should also ask whether the distance we feel from God at times is His allowing us to leave so our hearts can break for His heart to shine through?

In either case, trust the Word.

#JesusLetHimLeave #discipleship #perfectourlove