Archive for 26. February 2009

To Inherit Eternal Life

26. February 2009 by Bernice Davis.

Hello:

 

Today, we still are studying the subject of DIVORCE.  Let’s revisit the text.

 

Matthew 19:16 Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?” 17 ”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.” 18 ”Which ones?” the man inquired. Jesus replied, “‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, 19 honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’” 20 ”All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?” 21 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.” 22 When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. 23 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 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.” 25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?” 26 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” 27 Peter answered him, “We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?” 28 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. 29 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. 30 But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first. (NIV)

Today’s study deals with a familiar story in the life of the church.  It is the story of the rich man that came to Jesus and wanted to know what he must do to inherit eternal life.    Jesus responds with; “if you want eternal life, then you must obey the commandments.”  The man wanted further clarity so he asked Jesus which commandments were he to keep.  When Jesus goes over the list of commandments, the man is excited for he states that he has kept these from his youth.  

 

Jesus then drops a bombshell on him.  He tells the man that even though he has kept the commandments, there is one thing that he lacks.   Jesus tells him to sell all that he has and give to the poor and he will have treasure in heaven and then come and follow him.  The man walks away sad for he had great possessions.   

Then Jesus says a very familiar quote in the life of the church.  He says that it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye than for a rich man to enter heaven.  The disciples were astonished and asked him who then can be saved.   Now, to most of this when we read this text, we overlook this phrase.   It is obvious to us in our century to look at this text and now immediately why Jesus is saying that it is hard for rich people to go to heaven because many of them love their money and have made their money their God and that is where there heart is.  To the disciples, this was a puzzling issue.  

The Jews believed that wealth and possessions was a sign of favor from God.   This theology came from the passages in Deuteronomy where promised blessings upon those who loved God and obey and kept the commandments.   To the Jew then a rich Jew would indicate that God had favored them and there were a keeper of the law.  

 

Knowing, the above information, now let’s put the question in context.  The disciples are asking Jesus if this rich man who according to what they believed has become rich by way of God’s favor and he does not make it in then who can be saved.   We do know that their theology was off and this was not the case in this man’s life.   If God had blessed him based on his commitment to HIM and his obedience and love of God then this man would not have had a problem walking away from his wealth to follow Jesus and inherit eternal life. 

Please note that Jesus does not condemn a person because they are rich.  The problem lies when their money has become more important than God.   When your money becomes your God, the scriptures teach that you cannot serve both of them.  You will love one and despise the other.   Jesus then goes on to say that with man this is impossible but with God all things are possible.   If God is truly head of your life, we would be able to walk away from all and choose him.  With God in our lives, this is possible without him and going on our own strength it will be impossible to commit totally to God.  

The disciples then go on to questioned Jesus about the sacrifice that they have made to follow HIM.  Jesus says that any person who has given up possessions and family members to follow him will be rewarded hundred times in this life and will also inherit eternal life.   Our sacrifice will never be in vein.  The Lord promises to bless us!!!!!!!!!!!   Our motives must be pure though.   Everything is about the heart.    

Stay encouraged!!!!!!!!

 Don’t forget to pray and read God’s word daily. 

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments »

|