Luke 18:23-25
Have you ever been in a situation where you thought you knew the answer or the outcome ahead of time, just to be left in disbelief? What you thought was going to be said or happen actually turned out to be the opposite? It's like playing a team that you have zero doubts about losing against, just to be mistaken and beaten. That feeling is a shot to the heart and an utter shock. I say all this because I imagine that is what the ruler felt who asked Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life. When Jesus asks him do you know the commandments? Not to commit adultery, not to murder, not to steal, not to give false testimony, honor your parents etc. I imagine the ruler thinking “Oh yeah! I have what I need to to inherit eternal life.” However, verse 22 changes everything:
“When Jesus heard this, he said to him, You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
We then find ourselves in today's portion of this passage where the man becomes sad because he was wealthy. Jesus then tells him that it's easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God. I imagine the man stood in shock, not very thrilled about the words that Jesus just spoke to him. It may be easy for us to look back and think that this guy is not the brightest, but if we are honest we too can miss the mark when it comes to understanding the power of the gospel. When it comes to interacting with other people we often think they are aware of the saving knowledge of the gospel, when in reality we are not really sure if they are or not. Many people think just like the rich ruler did when it comes to inheriting eternal life. They believe that their good works will allow them into heaven. As believers we are doing them no good if we are not willing to share the true gospel with them. Let us take the courage and boldness to share the gospel with the people we are surrounded by.
“When Jesus heard this, he said to him, You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
We then find ourselves in today's portion of this passage where the man becomes sad because he was wealthy. Jesus then tells him that it's easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God. I imagine the man stood in shock, not very thrilled about the words that Jesus just spoke to him. It may be easy for us to look back and think that this guy is not the brightest, but if we are honest we too can miss the mark when it comes to understanding the power of the gospel. When it comes to interacting with other people we often think they are aware of the saving knowledge of the gospel, when in reality we are not really sure if they are or not. Many people think just like the rich ruler did when it comes to inheriting eternal life. They believe that their good works will allow them into heaven. As believers we are doing them no good if we are not willing to share the true gospel with them. Let us take the courage and boldness to share the gospel with the people we are surrounded by.
Posted in Devotional