Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, "Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?" So Jesus said to him, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is,God. 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. Then 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."
An interesting and powerful example of the scope of 'all things' The LORD, God, the Almighty has the power to refocus the emotions, and the goals of His creations. Look at this RYM (rich young man). He wanted eternal life so he could continue to enjoy his possessions, his toys and goodies. I wonder, as I look at our culture, if many of us are not RYM? We do not want a relationship with the Lord, God, the Almighty. We want continue to play at being God, we want to be the manipulators.
Our Lord Jesus quoted a very succinct version of the 5thCommandment, the RYM and said 'I've done it'. Today's version of the RYM would give a detailed and self-centered response, he even called his mother on his birthday to thank her for having such a talented son. Our Lord Jesus said, 'God can take such a sin-driven mess and change it into a God-honoring disciple'. We call that salvation and it truly is. He lifted me out of the mire and set my feet upon solid ground to work in His Kingdom. Hallelujah!
Readings:
Morning Psalm 67, Noon Psalm 119:169-176 Evening Psalm 19
