Joyful release ~ Mike MacIntosh

Now when they drew near Jerusalem, to Bethphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, He sent two of His disciples; and He said to them, "Go into the village opposite you; and as soon as you have entered it you will find a colt tied, on which no one has sat. Loose it and bring it. And if anyone says to you, 'Why are you doing this?' say, 'The Lord has need of it,' and immediately he will send it here." So they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door outside on the street, and they loosed it. But some of those who stood there said to them, "What are you doing, loosing the colt?" And they spoke to them just as Jesus had commanded. So they let them go.
Mark 11:1-6

Here is a wealthy family, with a donkey tied outside the courtyard of their house. And with one simple sentence, "the Lord has need of it," the rich man gives the donkey into the Lord's care.

It's so great to see this here, since in the previous chapter, Mark tells of the rich young ruler who refused to give up anything and walked away in sorrow. Jesus' words were ringing so true in his life, that "it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for the rich to enter the kingdom of God" (Mark 10:25).

Some of the disciples were also more concerned about wealth and power than obedience and faith, as they were asking Jesus who would be the greatest (Mark 10:35). Yet here we see in Mark 11 the faithfulness of a rich man and his family to the will of Jesus Christ. Everything you have--little or big--is all God's, so don't hold onto any possessions tightly. If Jesus has need of anything, be willing to immediately turn it over to Him.

And one last thing. Don't think about "having to give something up" as some sort of punishment or negative thing. I bet this family was honored to give what they had to the Lord's work. It doesn't say that they were grumbling and complaining. In fact, the text indicates that immediately after the disciples told them it was for the Lord, they let the colt loose; no questions asked. I think they were honored and humbled that Jesus was in need of something they had. I bet they were more than willing to give (oh how different than that rich young ruler, huh?).

So, be in that place that you are willing to give to the Lord whatever He requires of you, and do it with a heart of thankfulness, and joy, and honor, that He is asking you to be a part of His kingdom.