MAY 2 - To Enter God's Kingdom
17 As he went out into the street, a man came running up, greeted him with great reverence, and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to get eternal life?”
18-19 Jesus said, “Why are you calling me good? No one is good, only God. You know the commandments: Don’t murder, don’t commit adultery, don’t steal, don’t lie, don’t cheat, honor your father and mother.”
20 He said, “Teacher, I have—from my youth—kept them all!”
21 Jesus looked him hard in the eye—and loved him! He said, “There’s one thing left: Go sell whatever you own and give it to the poor. All your wealth will then be heavenly wealth. And come follow me.”
22 The man’s face clouded over. This was the last thing he expected to hear, and he walked off with a heavy heart. He was holding on tight to a lot of things, and not about to let go.
23-25 Looking at his disciples, Jesus said, “Do you have any idea how difficult it is for people who ‘have it all’ to enter God’s kingdom?” The disciples couldn’t believe what they were hearing, but Jesus kept on: “You can’t imagine how difficult. I’d say it’s easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye than for the rich to get into God’s kingdom.”
Mark 10: 17-25 MSG
If you’re reading this preaching on your phone and thinking of the rich as billionaires who lead Fortune 500 companies, you may need to reset your idea of wealth. Worldwide statistics show that, in fact, you are probably one of the world’s wealthiest people. According to a paper from the World Bank in 2012, if you make more than $50,000 annually, you are in the global 1 percent.
Understanding ourselves as wealthy changes our mindset. Rather than seeing Jesus’ teaching about wealth as a lesson for others, we must examine ourselves.
Let’s not forget that Jesus did give the rich young man an option. It was the man’s choice not to sell his possessions and give to the poor.
But the challenge is, are we willing to let go and follow God? Luckily that’s not what God needs from us now, unless you’re feeling called to Missions overseas.
Here are some things for us to keep in mind:
First, check your dependency. Are your thoughts focused on God, or on money and possessions?
Second, we have much to learn from those in poverty. If wealth obscures our view of God, poverty can bring sharp clarity. Seek out opportunities to spend time with people who have experienced daily dependence on God’s provision.
Third, use your wealth for good. Jesus told the rich young man to give his wealth to the poor, not to throw it in the Jordan River. He is asking us to come to Him with the perspective that all we have belongs to Him. Whatever He asks us to do with what we have, our answer is to be, “Yes, Lord!”
Finally, thank God for making a way so that even the wealthy can approach His throne! “With man this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26). Used in the right way, wealth is a blessing that we can steward God’s finances to bless the kingdom at large.