THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 10:17-23
“How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!” (Mark 10:23)
The door to God’s kingdom is open wide, but not everyone wants the life it represents.
God cannot change the kingdom to accommodate our unhealthy desires and values.
This man did not want to let go of his greed and lack of compassion.
He wanted the hope of salvation, but not the life of salvation.
God’s kingdom is the only truly happy, fulfilling, joyful and peaceable way to live.
It would not be God’s kingdom if greed, selfishness, pride, etc. were in it.
True repentance is recognizing that my heart as it is does not fit into God’s kingdom.
To repent is to hate our sinful nature, and to genuinely seek God for mercy and help.
Jesus makes it clear that the door is wide open, for those who truly want it.
C.S. Lewis tells a parable about some people from hell who get a chance to go to heaven.
When they get there, they hate what they see (pure love, joy, peace, etc.) and leave.
If we truly want the God Life (life in the kingdom), we will pursue it now.
The doors to the kingdom are open wide; it is our own hearts that make it hard to enter in!
God and Jesus watch with sadness when we turn away because we prefer our own way.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, we show our true heart by what we pursue here and now. Help me to pursue heavenly treasure, a treasure that will last.
Where your treasure is, that is where your heart is also. The man’s desire of happiness was the security of his wealth. His one desire was not God but his happiness was placed on that which was not secure. Misplaced trust.
I am remained of the parables of the lost coin, the lost sheep and the hidden treasure – the people gave it their all – their life style – to find. Jesus Christ is that treasure and must be the sole purpose of our heart’s desire. Nothing must keep us from seeking Him.
Jesus, all for Jesus,
All I am and have and ever hope to be.
Jesus, all for Jesus,
All I am and have and ever hope to be.
All of my ambitions, hopes and plans
I surrender these into Your hands.
All of my ambitions, hopes and plans
I surrender these into Your hands.
For it’s only in Your will that I am free,
For it’s only in Your will that I am free,
Jesus, all for Jesus,
All I am and have and ever hope to be.