
Without the presence of God, a billion bucks mean nothing.
Jesus gave the young man a choice: It’s Me or your Money.
The rich young man left Jesus’ presence.
When Adam and Eve sinned, they forfeited the Lord’s presence. Sure, God was still everywhere but Adam and Eve were no longer “with God in His sanctuary”.
In the Old Testament, it was common for a worshiper to serve both Baal and God (cf. Joshua 24). In a sense, Jesus was asking the rich man, “choose this day who you will serve” (cf. Joshua 24:15).
Jesus asks, “Why call me Lord, and do not what I say?” (Luke 6:46) and advises, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21).