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We know the story of the rich man who came to Jesus. Eventually, as the story unfolded, Jesus challenged him to “Go sell whatever you own and give it to the poor. All your wealth will then be heavenly wealth. And come follow me.”  

Some very important points:

  • Jesus challenges me to understand that because I “have it all” (which I do) that it will be difficult for me to enter God’s Country (aka the Kingdom of God). I am hard wired to work hard so I can make more money. Jesus is not focused on earthly wealth. His only concern is “heavenly wealth”.
  • Like the disciples, I find that difficult to believe. I know lots of rich people who are Christians. Is this an indictment of us all? Others will have to answer for themselves.
  • Jesus is clear and doesn’t drop it with me or with others. Jesus challenges me to understand how very difficult it is.
  • This stuns the disciples. It stuns me too. Perhaps I should just give up then. What is the point? Seriously!
  • Jesus gives me the secret and provides good news. I can’t do it myself. God, through Jesus, is the only one who can do it. I must embrace Jesus and persevere. God can do it. Nothing is impossible with God. God is God and God is great.

Looking at his disciples, Jesus said, “Do you have any idea how difficult it is for people who ‘have it all’ to enter God’s kingdom?” The disciples couldn’t believe what they were hearing, but Jesus kept on: “You can’t imagine how difficult. I’d say it’s easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye than for the rich to get into God’s kingdom.”

That set the disciples back on their heels. “Then who has any chance at all?” they asked.

Jesus was blunt: “No chance at all if you think you can pull it off by yourself. Every chance in the world if you let God do it.”

Source: Mark 10:23-27

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