February 9
“Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, ‘How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!’ And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, ‘Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.’ And they were greatly astonished, saying among themselves, ‘Who then can be saved?’ But Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible,’” Mark 10:23-27.
In the minds of many, the most important thing in life is money and wealth in one form or another. Listen to the people in government, in business and industry, and others who are constantly talking about the economy.
The Lord Jesus had come into contact with a wealthy young man who knelt down and asked Jesus what he had to do to inherit eternal life. Jesus said, “You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, Do not murder, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and your mother.’ And he answered and said to Him, ‘Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth.’ Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, ‘One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.’ But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions,” Mark 10:19-22.
Then Jesus spoke about how hard it is for people who have riches to enter the kingdom of God. That shocked the Lord’s disciples! Was Jesus saying that wealthy people have to get rid of their wealth if they intend to go to heaven? No! Jesus never taught that going to heaven depends upon what you do or what you don’t do. Then, why did He tell the young man to go and sell his possessions and give the money to the poor? It was because the young man had fallen in love with his possessions and trusted in them.
This is also the problem for many people today! How many people are being told that they have to trust the government, which has repeatedly proven to be untrustworthy, or to trust in some type of health insurance if they want to have a happy and worry-free future? Maybe we should be asking another question: “How can we trust those who repeatedly lie to the people?” People need to be told, “Wake up and put your trust in God!” Then you will have a brighter future, not only for this life, but also for the life to come!
Yes, there is always the temptation to fall in love with our possessions and our accomplishments. We need to bow humbly and penitently before our gracious God and confess the sin of putting God and His Word on the back burner in life. Hear and heed His Word, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,” and then trust His promise, “All these things shall be added to you,” Matthew 6:33. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding,” Proverbs 3:5. If you lean on your own understanding, you will fall on your face!
Begin each day with the thought that you will trust and lean on the Lord, who loves you, as He also loved the young man in the account above. Jesus looks you in the eye and He asks to be your first-love! He invites you to trust Him as your Savior, who sacrificed Himself on the cross to wash all your sins away, including the sin of lack of trust in your gracious God. Put your trust in God’s love and forgiveness, and He will give you the strength to follow your Lord and Savior. We pray:
“Just as I am, without one plea,
But that Thy blood was shed for me;
And that Thou bidd’st me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, Thou wilt receive,
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve,
Because Thy promise I believe;
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.” Amen.