March 25, 2025

GOD’S WORD FOR TODAY:

“They are dogs with mighty appetites; they never have enough. They are shepherds who lack understanding; they all turn to their own way and they seek their own gain. ‘Come,’ each one cries, ‘let me get wine! Let us drink our fill of beer! And tomorrow will be like today, or even far better.’” (Isaiah 56.11-12)

REFLECTION ON GOD’S WORD FOR TODAY:

Matthew records Jesus’ teaching about the possibility of salvation in Matthew 19 with the story of the Rich Young Ruler. It startles the disciples to watch as a young man, the same age as many of them, who was successful in life turn and walk away from Christ. It was not that the disciples had not seen others walk away from the challenge of discipleship. The number of followers of Jesus during His three year ministry had waxed and waned. When Jesus spoke of things the people agreed with, performed great works of the Kingdom and literally feed the hungry with free food the ranks of followers swelled. However, when Jesus had those fierce conversations of faith, such as the one Matthew recalls in this instance, there would be those who would walk away. Peter would rally the circle of twelve to the cause reminding them all that they had left everything to follow Jesus. Their acceptance of the radical call to lay down their livelihoods and worldly ambitions to follow Jesus demonstrated their faith in the Word of God. But to watch this particular young man walk away because he was very rich was a challenge for them. Following up on the reflection of the concept of “nothingness” from yesterday, I am reminded of the words of Jesus as this point for the disciples. When some of them asked, “If this rich man cannot be saved, then who can?” What was revealed was the misconception concerning the “prosperity gospel” that was alive and well in their own day. It is not a new phenomenon of the late 20th and early 21st Centuries. It has existed for some time as a misinterpretation of God’s “blessing.”

What did Jesus say? Matthew 19.26 is oft quoted by those experiencing tough times that overshadow or cloud the future of God’s blessing being fulfilled. The greatest blessing is “to dwell with Him forever.” The reality of seeing that blessing fulfilled has been pursued by many. The truth is that there is only one thing which a person can do to see that blessing fulfilled in their own lives. It cannot be bought, earned, contrived, connived or stolen. It can only be received by believing Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God and accepted as one’s personal Lord and Savior. When the disciples asked the question “Who then can be saved?“, Jesus replied, “With human beings it is impossible but with God all things are possible.” I must insert the caveat that is needed at this point only because this verse is too often taken out of context. We can hear people from all walks of life purport that “believing in God” will allow them to be successful in whatever they are doing. They can be the best athlete, entertainer, politician, businessperson, student just by “believing in God.” The rich young ruler believed in God. He believed in eternal life. He believed Jesus was at the very least a reputable rabbi if not the very Son of God Himself. But what his belief in God could not do was to “sell all he had, give the proceeds to the poor and follow Jesus to the cross.” To become as “nothing” in the world to become “something” in the Kingdom of God on earth as it is in Heaven was simply impossible. Yet Jesus said to the doubting disciples, “With you it is impossible but with God all things are possible.” What was “it” that Jesus was talking about? It was the very “it” the disciples recognized themselves but revealed the path to with a worldly perspective. “It” was salvation.

Yes, the disciples knew that adhering to the Law and the Prophets was not enough to be saved and live forever. They knew it because even the Law and the Prophets pointed out the need for “substitutionary sacrifices.” Here is where they struggled. The Law and the Prophets declared the Word of God which said, “I no longer desire your sacrifices because your heart is far from Me.” The Jewish people from the king and priest to the businessman to the mother to the widows and orphans had grown accustomed to going through the motions without developing a deep connection to the God in whom they believed. Their mouths may have said “yes,” but the hearts were in limbo. So, too, were their souls. They missed the point of being truly rich as the people of God. It could not be measured in fame, fortune, power and prowess. Being truly rich as the people of God was having a pure heart, a right spirit and a mind that was turned to God. In this the rich young ruler saw his reflection and turned away. Could it be that the disciples had believed that following Jesus would make them rich, famous, powerful and extraordinary in abilities? Had they still not understood what it meant to walk by the Spirit? Jesus said of Himself that He had no place to lay His head nor call His home. He had no money. His only business was to do His Father’s will. Instead of being paid, He was the payment. So, can we look at those challenging words of Jesus with “nothing” in mind? Can it not as easily say “Nothing is impossible with God.” By that I mean, that in the very presence and will of God “nothing” cannot exist. Where God is there is order, structure, meaning, purpose, substance, hope, peace, love, joy and more all of which glorify God and provide eternal life in His Kingdom on earth (old and new) as in Heaven (everlasting) for those who will believe. And for those who worship the “god of nothingness”? Well, that should be obvious but is not until it is which will be far too late because “what is impossible for humanity [on this side or that of the grave] is possible for God,” the God of something and all things!

TODAY’S PRAYER IN RESPONSE TO GOD’S WORD:

Father, in these days we are finding the need to believe even more than ever before. We all have known trouble, some in greater ways than others, but You are offering us the assurance that we will not be consumed by it forever. Regardless of the “time” we are in and the “time” we have been given, we ask for Your Holy Spirit which Jesus asked You to share with us, to lead and guide and direct us in the paths we should go. Teach us what we still need to learn. Empower us to put that learning into action. Bless our actions not as a works righteousness which we know is folly but righteous works which declare Your glory and further witness the truth that can set all who believe free from death. So may we live by the name of Jesus our Christ. AMEN.