Reading
SAA Notes
The rich young man has the wrong question – what must I do? The Gospel teaches us to look for what Jesus can do, so that we may inherit eternal life. Jesus faces the young man with his idol, and asks him to seek the Lord first. He cannot do what is necessary! God can!
SJA Notes
* Dear God, thank You for Your word to us today.
“Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?”
Do we begrudge God’s generosity?
This passage today shows Jesus giving more insight into His kingdom.
Just in case Peter and other disciples were getting big heads at the idea of sitting on twelve thrones in glory, here we get a wonderful rock-solid sure hope and revelation of what it means to be God’s people.
The promise of glory is for the thief on the cross – Who was converted in the pain and agony of hammered nails rending flesh and bone, sun baking down on bare flesh. The thief saw Jesus in the last moments of his life, and Jesus welcomed him in!
The promise of glory is for Enoch who walked with God, for so many years, so closely, that God took him into His arms without a bodily death.
This is the same promise that Methuselah knew, the same that burned deep and strong through Stephen.
The promise of glory is set and unchanging for all believers, whether we are converted on our death bed or have known the Lord since the womb or at any time in between – It is the same promise.
Do we begrudge God’s generosity?
Let us be those who are full of joy to welcome new brothers and sisters into the kingdom.
Let us share in the joy the angels have at one sinner repenting.
The promise of life with God, in the new heavens and the new earth, no more sorrow or crying or mourning – The former things have passed away.
Hallelujah, what a hope we have!
* Father Above,
Thank You for Your love for us, calling sinners from all walks of life and from every stage of life.
Thank You for Your mercy to us, that the thief can be saved right at death, that the little child can have a heart after Yours.
May Your kingdom come Lord God.
Amen.