Eternal Life

 N.T.#230 "Eternal Life"

Jan. 24, 2024 

Matthew 19-Part 7

LET IT GLOW

Has money and wealth become our focus in our life? Jesus had just taught that we all need childlike faith, simple faith, to trust in Jesus as our Savior. Here came a young, rich ruler asking Jesus how he could obtain eternal life. Let's see how the conversation goes.

• First, the young man addressed Jesus as "Good Master." He wasn't recognizing Christ as deity, but as a righteous teacher from God who apparently has eternal life and might know how he could get it.
• Jesus wasn't disclaiming His own deity, but teaching the young man that all but God are sinners.
• The guy's problem was his reluctance to confess his own utter spiritual bankruptcy. 
• If he wanted to enter into life, the man must keep the high standards of God, but he could not keep the laws. The Ten Commandments show us our sins, thus we can't keep them every day.
• Salvation isn't by our own merits. The man asked which Commandment he was required to keep.
• Jesus knew what the guy was lacking-love for his neighbor above himself. Jesus gave those dealing with human relationships. (verses18-19)
• The young man said he had kept all those laws. what did he lack? 

We can credit the guy with living a moral lfe and being well versed in Scripture and the laws of God. Did he know about God but not have love for Him in his heart? This self-righteous young man had a problem, didn't he? He would not admit to his own sin. Love and obedience supersede all. We love God and want to please Him. This guy loved himself more than his neighbors. He was rich, remember? His money stood between him and Jesus. We are sinners in need of a Savior. Is there anything that stand between us and Jesus? 

[Resource: Life Application Study Bible]

LET IT GROW

The guy asked, so Jesus told him the solution to his problem-go, sell, give to the poor. Then follow Jesus. That would result in his treasure in heaven. However, the rich young ruler couldn't do it. His love of his possessions was a stumbling block, so he rejected Jesus' lordship over his life. He walked away in unbelief. How sad. 

Is Jesus requiring you to give up something in order to faithfully and fully follow Him? Are we willing to give up anything if God asks us to do so. Are we allowing anything to come between us and our God? We may not be asked to sell all and follow Jesus, but it is our attitude toward our money and possessions that can hinder us in total surrender.

Whatever the Lord speaks to us, it will require and adjustment in our life. What good is it to read the Word and not apply it to our life? Don't be sorrowful like the rich young ruler and turn away from Jesus. What blessings you will miss out on. What joy in serving Jesus you will not experience,. What love will be passed by you. 

LET IT GO

May Help us love and serve You Father with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Bless Your faithful children today.

Keep us in Your will.