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| 2007 Archives: November
2007 -- Back
to current issue and main Archives There was this rich fellow in Matthew’s book who came up to Jesus and asked what it would take to be on the team. Jesus replied that the entrance exam was tough, and the fee was high.
“Now a man came up to Jesus an asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?” Why do you ask me about what is good, Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments.” “Which ones”, the man inquired. Jesus replied, “Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother, and ‘love your neighbor as yourself’”. “All these I have kept”, the young man said. “What do I still lack?” Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. Then Jesus said to his disciples, “I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again, I tell you, 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.” When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Peter answered him, “We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?” Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on His glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first”
(Matthew 19: 16-30 NIV)
Please notice a couple key phrases in the dialogue with the rich man. Jesus said, do these things “then come follow me”. That was probably the deal breaker for the young rich man. The fact that the man was rich wasn’t the point, but rather that he loved what he had accumulated more than his willingness to give it up and follow Christ. See any similarities in your live? Do you love your stuff more than the Lord? The act of giving your wealth away (separate from Jesus) doesn’t merit heaven, just as if an unbelieving philanthropist donated millions for a new children’s hospital. The act itself was nice, but devoid of any obedience to God, it was only a gracious act.
Notice also another phrase in the dialogue Jesus had with his disciples regarding this same topic. “Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible”. Folks, God chooses you… you don’t choose God! God, in His Spirit chooses those who are His. Without getting into the Doctrine of Election, I will save that topic for another day, it is sufficient to say that when you feel the nudge or an inner voice that says, “Follow Me”, it is the Holy Spirit prompting you. It will serve you well to listen.
“Follow me”- will include being strong in faith, trusting in the Lord with joy, patience and obedience. All of which are God-given attributes; it is in God’s good pleasure, His strength and power that you come to Him. It is from the prompting of the Holy Spirit that people respond to God in faith. Jesus chose you, as he indicated in John 15:
“You did not choose, but I chose you, and appointed you to go and bear fruit- fruit hat will last…” (John 15:16 NIV)
“I will have a pound of faith, three scoops of patience, and 5 slices of obedience, please!” If you were to ask that at your deli counter, you would probably get a weird look. But if you were to ask God for those attributes, He will supply those to who humbly seek Him. If that is the part of the entrance exam that you are struggling with, then join the club. If you need a starting point, rest assured that God’s arms are open. He is in control, and He first chooses you. If you hear Him, run to Him! He is delaying His ultimate glory to bring into His kingdom those who are to be with Him.
“Seek the Lord while He may be found. Call on Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the evil man this thoughts. Let him turn to the Lord and He will have mercy on him.” (Isaiah 55: 6-7 NIV)
True or False? - Eternal State only takes the most qualified and gifted candidates, all others need not apply? False! Jesus Himself said He came for sinners, not the righteous. (Matthew 9:13) What is a sinner to do? Should they pray to Budda, listen to what is being said from Salt Lake City, light a candle to Mary, pay homage to Mecca, or process Watchtower material? One can do those things, but there is only one way to heaven and be an Eternal State Christian, and that is through Jesus.
He said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me…” (John 14: 6 NIV)
That is pretty clear, there is no mistaking what Jesus has said. That should eliminate the falsehood of folks who think that all religions lead to heaven, just as long as one lives a good life, acknowledges a higher power, then heaven is their final destination. Wrong! If Jesus is not your Lord and Savior, and obedience to His commands is your NOT the way of life for you then heaven will not be your final destination. The gift is a free one. The good news is for anyone who is willing to hear it, listen to the nudging of God’s Spirit, and respond. The young rich man in Matthew, probably did hear the Holy Spirit calling, maybe that prompted the dialogue with Jesus, or maybe the rich man was only asking about what one good thing he could do to get into heaven, he was looking for a minimal effort, since he asked, ...”what good THING (singular) must I do to get eternal life”. Either way the rich young man decided not to listen or follow. He chose poorly.
The Eternal State Christians is the ultimate team (I realize that it’s not really a team). They have the most awesome, wonderful, powerful, gracious and merciful Head Coach. Their Quarterback came to earth as a man, conquered death on a cross by raising and living, and sits on the right hand of the Father as the great High Priest. They have really cool uniforms – pure white robes and elegant crowns, which they lay down at the feet of God. The marching band in the bleachers and the team are eternally praising, and worshiping God! There will be no better place to be-literally, figuratively, mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually, factually, and actually!
Next time you see the Eternal State Christians’ bus come through your town, jump on board, listen to the Holy Spirit and Follow Him.
(By the way, the use of an analogy of the team concept in this article was not intended to be irreverent, disrespectful or glib, but simply to make a point)
Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.
The “NIV” and “New International Version” trademarks are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by International Bible Society. Use of either trademark requires permission of International Bible Society.
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