LETTER TO THE RICH MAN

Rich Man,

We often make excuses to cover up what the Messiah asked of you.

We throw sugar and make pretty what he actually told you to do.

The text is very clear. The letters are in red.

Jesus said exactly the words we thought He said.

“Give up your possessions. Give everything to the poor.”

It’s astonishing, I know, that He even asked for more.

“Once you’ve given everything, come and follow me.

Give up your life, as you’ve known it, and watch who you become to be.”

We say he only asked for your possessions because there was more wealth in store.

Look! Like magic! Money through this door!

We say he only asked for your money to test the extent of your belief.

Look! I was just kidding! No reason for your grief!

The reality is, you knew He didn’t ask for your stuff so you could end up with much more.

You knew He asked for your stuff so He could make you poor.

You knew He didn't ask for your wealth as a grueling test of faith.

You knew He asked for your stuff so you could look God in His face.

You had too much comfort, too much ease, and too much security. You would never break.

Skin you can't cut and a heart that can’t bleed? I would call it fake.

You were externally rich but internally broke.

You walked away from Eternity, miserable with the words He spoke.

He was offering you a life far beyond riches and possessions.

But these things were your idols, your altars, and your obsessions.

The Messiah was trying to give you a life with great meaning and great depth.

You knew this, but the process to you looked too much like death.

Rich man, it would have been good for you to kiss your stuff goodbye.

Rich man, it would have been good for you to go through the dark season of, “Why?”

Rich man, you would have found your greatest riches in your poverty.

Rich man, you would have found your freedom making giving your life’s policy.

There’s power in weakness. There’s beauty in being broken down.

Rich man, we have the most power when before God, we put our faces to the ground.

You knew He meant it when He said give up everything and then come and follow.

You knew He was making an effort to heal your soul so hollow.

When you read those red letters, and you’re astonished at what He said

Just remember He’s only trying to awaken you from your sleep so dead.

Don’t make it pretty. Don’t sugar coat the cross in which Christ has called us to carry.

No, look it in the face, and make a covenant. Through pain and promise, to You oh Lord, I am married.