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“Fear is doubt believed.” — Martha Kilpatrick (Manna, 03/17/06)

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Poetry: Too Rich to be Poor

Author: Martha Kilpatrick  9 January 2008

A "certain ruler" had this life in all success. He was rich. He had youth. He ruled. He would consider the after-life to secure it as well. So he sought this Jesus to acquire eternity and add it to his coffer. The man had kept the commandments, well versed in God's law. And he hoped that would do. Enough to satisfy Almighty. But came that chilling word from Jesus. "sell all" Sell...all?? The other Life will cost me this one? I can't have both? I must choose between the two? Be poor? Be destitute? Give all away? They'll be rich and I'll be ... read remainder of Poem

A "certain ruler" had this life
in all success.
He was rich.
He had youth.
He ruled.

He would consider the after-life
to secure it as well.

So he sought this Jesus to
acquire eternity
and add it
to his coffer.

The man had kept the commandments,
well versed in God's law.
And he hoped that would do.
Enough to satisfy Almighty.

But came that chilling word from Jesus.
"sell all"
Sell...all??
The other Life will cost
me this one?
I can't have both?
I must choose between
the two?

Be poor? Be destitute?
Give all away? They'll be rich
and I'll be poor.
no...no

What are YOUR riches?
Do you lock away your affections?
Keep your heart safe and closed?
Buy your way through life?

What is your wealth that Jesus
asks for?
Your independence?
The pleasures your flesh likes?

What is YOUR wealth?
Your strength?
Your secrecy?
Your skill...achievement...

What do you 'own' that makes you rich?
Laodicea, you are really wretched
naked and blind.
Any wealth you have is not real,
not yours and does
not make up...you.

Sell all, young ruler.
He loves you.
But He will let you choose.
He will let you walk...


Copyright © 1999 Martha  Kilpatrick

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