Mark 10:17 -31
[Matthew 19:16 -30; Luke 10:25 -37, 18:18 -30]
The apostles’ concern prompted Jesus
to add a promise. Leaving ones “normal
life” to follow Him would be repaid with great interest.
How God repays such a dept is his
prerogative and quite individual. Such a
gain could be monetary and manifest on this side of death. However, so could persecution. Instead of leisure, followers could get a
death sentence. Comfort was not
promised. However, the man’s treasure
would have been secured in heaven before he wondered off with the rabbi.
Following Jesus never decreed
eternal life. Judas Iscariot followed
Jesus, learned alongside the other disciples, and heard the promised
rewards. Yet, Judas remained selfish. What we do outwardly might hide the person we
really are. Too often, great preachers do
not live up to their words. Even the
most pious priest can hate his brother. God
knows the heart.
Walking with God provides
opportunities that a standard life does not.
It can bring humility to deny selfishness and love humanity. Outward piety softens and becomes empathetic,
a greater chance to recognize and change our ways. In community, we share God’s lessons that bring
us to sanctification (holiness). God
molds our heart.
**Does my religion teach me to
follow the rigid traditions of men? Do I
justify sin to satisfy self? Do I “walk
the walk” but never recognize God standing beside me?
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 4 of 7 – Broken
Commandments
The Rich Man’s Question – Part 5 of 7 – A Task of
Poverty?
Also in this series: