July 22, 2023
Passage Read: Mark 9-10
Meditation Verse: 10:21
Thought
This man wanted to know how to inherit eternal life, and Jesus pointed him at the Ten Commandments. Astonishingly, the man claimed to have kept them since he was a child, and Jesus didn't disagree with him! He, however, wasn't satisfied with that answer, otherwise he wouldn't be asking Jesus this question now. Jesus saw that there was something missing: It's apparently pretty easy for a rich man to keep the commandments when he's determined to, because he's in a pretty blessed and safe situation. What Jesus saw was this man's dependence on his wealth, so if he could make the transition from trusting in the security of his riches to trusting in God for security, then he would have faith that saves.
Application
How hard it is for anyone to trust the Lord for life and security! Jesus even says that it's not just the rich who have a hard time entering the kingdom of God, but everyone! Salvation can only be obtained by the grace and power of God. The worries and cares of this life are such a hindrance to salvation, because God calls us to give up control and to stop trusting in the things of this world, and to stop loving ourselves so much! He calls us to walk in obedience to Him, to trust Him and to love others at least as much as we love ourselves. He calls us to live this life for the next, to use this life to gain treasure for the next. But we live like this life is all there is. God, help me let go of the safety and security of the things of this life (they're false anyway) and this world, and live entirely dependent on You.