|
|
See below for full archive
One thing thou lackest
As we look around us especially when there are small children present, how easy it is to observe their desire for the other child’s toy. I wish I could say that is only experienced during those early years of development. But it seem these desire follow us into our adult lives, and can create an unhealthy life style.
The account found in Mark 10, relates the story of one who comes to Jesus with great display of desire to be a follower of Jesus. However, Jesus knowing the heart of the man and his hidden character immediately goes to the source of his problem. Although, the rich young ruler has expressed a desire to follow Jesus, he did not posses the ability to let go of the one thing, which would keep him from serving as a follower.
The young rich ruler felt he had all the qualifications necessary as he presented himself before Jesus, however Jesus looked into the inter man and saw a covenantous man. I am sure to less observant eyes this rich young ruler would have seemed to have been a great additional to the followers of Jesus. The man had fame, fortunate and influence, to the nature man; he represented all the good things of this world. However, when dealing with heaven things, God has a different standard. Man looks on the outside and God looks on the inside, and he is able to see our intentions, as well as our motivations. We cannot pull the wool over God’s eye, since he created us, he know our thoughts and intentions.
Jesus called for the one thing in the man life he was not willing to give up. The riches represented who the man was, therefore the rich young ruler felt he would lose his identity.
Not realizing whatever we give to God he multiplies, and causes it to grow and increase.
The rich young ruler would never know the benefits of following Jesus, because he walked away with him wealth. He didn’t understand who had given him the power to get the wealth in the first place, and that that blessing was given to share.
The prince of this world has blinded our eyes so we cannot see the truth, just as the rich young rulers eyes were blind to who Jesus really was.
In verse 27, Jesus says, “With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.” We need to look at our conditions with the eye of Jesus; we very well may see everything different.
We love you all in Jesus Christ our Lord,
Eddie & Barbara Lofton
As I was doing my devotional studies the thought came to me, what makes the difference! There are those with whom I had contact during the delivery of Bible to Eastern Europe that seemed to just be a step above. There were those to whom we delivered Bible "Troublesome times are here, filling men's hearts with fear.." are the opening words of an old gospel song. However, the words seem to have no end and are not confined to any space of time. The song goes on to speak of "freedoms we all hold dear..", but What would God have me to give, the older lady had prayed for several weeks now. Her social security check just seem never to be enough to cover everything, oh don’t get me wrong she was a bag lady! She owns her own home, a car and has a little put aside To bring hope to a lost and dying world is our full time job. Jesus has said, "I am come that you might have life and that more abundantly." (John 10:10B)
|
|
| |