Mark 10:17 -31
[Matthew 19:16 -30; Luke 10:25 -37, 18:18 -30]
The rich man trusted his own
abilities to reach sanctification. He
wholeheartedly believed he followed the commandments flawlessly and was capable
of something distinctive. Most religions
believe “works” make diligent people holy.
However, this was the sin of Korah, who rebelled by presuming
superiority trumped submission (Numbers 16).
Our God is a jealous God who will not accept arrogance in place of
obedience.
In Matthew 19:16-17, the man asks Jesus
for a good thing that assures him a place in heaven. Jesus’ reply is one of surprise. All he needed was to keep the
commandments. However, the man did not
trust God to keep things simple for everyone, including himself. So, lack of trust means he did not love God
completely (Deuteronomy 6:5).
The rich man loved his station more
than the people who lived in the streets.
Was he discourteous to the deaf, blind, or aged? Did he bestow favoritism to friends, but
perverted justice to others? Did he use
dishonest business practices? Did the
word “neighbor” exclude all but friends?
(Leviticus 19:13-15, 18)
Did he covet anyone’s power, wealth,
or status? Did he hold grudges and
hatred in his heart? Did he murder a
rival’s reputation, one little cut at a time?
(Exodus 20:17; Leviticus 19:17-18; Deuteronomy 5:21 , 7:25 )
Did he expect servants and
foreigners to work on the Sabbath? Did
he presume poor women always became prostitutes? Did he show respect to rich elders only? (Exodus 20:10; Leviticus 19:29, 32-35;
Deuteronomy 5:14)
Outwardly pious, inwardly
stubborn. If the man attempted the task
given, he might have learned to see the flaws in himself.
**Does my religion hold me to the
“letter of the law” with a legal hierarchy that rejects some “rules” as
insignificant? Does my religion teach me
to disrespect, ridicule, or reject any group of humans? Do I follow habitual tradition without the
depth of applied ethics? Do I know how
to love my enemies?
To be continued…
[Lessons from Holiness Parables, by Jo Helen Cox, a work in progress.]
The Rich Man’s Question – Part 1 of 7
The Rich Man’s Question – Part 2 of 7 – Good Teacher
The Rich Man’s Question – Part 3 of 7 – Son of Man’s
Response
The Rich Man’s Question – Part 6 of 7 – The Task to
Follow
The Rich Man’s Question – Part 7 of 7 – Eternal Life
Also in this series:
You're getting rather personal, aren't you? Love the line "Our God is a jealous God who will not accept arrogance in place of obedience." That is one that will appear soon on www.EagleWingsPress.com/wp/Daily. Thanks.
ReplyDelete