“Keep The Commandments”

Then someone came to him and said, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.” He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; Honor your father and mother; also, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” The young man said to him, “I have kept all these; what do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” When the young man heard this word, he went away grieving, for he had many possessions.

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it will be hard for a rich person 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 someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astounded and said, “Then who can be saved?” But Jesus looked at them and said; “For mortals it is impossible, but for God all things are possible.”

Matthew 19:16-26

When the young man realized he would have to give up his wealth – it was the very thing he valued more than a relationship with Christ. Christ blesses us. But we should understand that the things we have on earth are gifts, and those gifts may be needed for someone else. Just follow Christ. Don’t get hung up on earthly desires. His wishes for your life will be made known to you, in God’s time. The One who created this universe out of nothing has a history of accomplishing the impossible. When we forsake what this life has to offer and follow Him, He does the impossible once again – He gives us eternal life!

Our limited ability accents God’s limitless power.

Our Daily Bread – November 24, 2008