In our quest to unlock the power of our thinking, in this series we have seen on several occasions how Jesus acted and then taught the disciples, constantly confronting their limited or misapplied thinking and assumptions. The disciples saw Jesus talking with a Samaritan woman, heard him warn against the teaching of the Pharisees, and witnessed Him feed a multitude with a few scraps of food on two occasions. In each instance, the men struggled to wrap their minds around what Jesus was doing and saying not because they were rebellious or obstinate but because the thoughts they had were inadequate to process the events they saw. in other words, they needed new thoughts if they were going to apply what they saw and heard, which Jesus was glad to provide. This week, let's examine another story which took the followers to new places in their minds and that is Jesus' encounter with the rich young ruler in Mark 10:17-31. You may wish to read those verses before you move on.
WHO THEN?
When Jesus told the young man to sell what he owned and follow Him, the man who knelt before Jesus was crestfallen: "At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth" (Mark 10:22). Jesus then gave a commentary on what had just happened: "Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, 'How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!'” (Mark 10:23). Once again, the disciples were dumbfounded: "The disciples were amazed at his words" (Mark 10:24a) only to have Jesus drive home the point even more emphatically: “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God" (Mark 10:24-b-25). His words had their usual effect: "The disciples were even more amazed, and said to each other, 'Who then can be saved?'” (Mark 10:26).
It is interesting that the disciples did not direct their question to the Lord Himself, but it didn't matter. He went on to give them even further explanation of the incident with the young ruler and what it represented. It was prevalent among the Jews that God favored those who were rich because they had kept the Law. The young ruler wasn't so sure so he came to receive confirmation and consolation from Jesus who shattered their pretense that wealth was a sure sign of God's blessing. The disciples shared in the young man's dismay and were amazed, asking "Who then?" could be saved if the rich of all people could not.
THE REST OF THE STORY
Jesus answered their question with a new thought for them to consider, a thought missionary that would take root and grow in their minds to replace their old thought process: "Jesus looked at them and said, “'With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.'” There are two ways to interpret this. One is that God can save the rich regardless of the obstacles and, in a sense, that is certainly correct. Yet there is a more subtle but appropriate message beyond God's ability to save that rich man, or any rich person. What Jesus said is not a statement proving that all things are possible with God. Rather it is a statement that nothing is impossible for a person who walks and works with God. The first interpretation puts all the emphasis and responsibility on God; the second states that people have a role in walking out their obedience in partnership with God.
Jesus told the young ruler, "If you will follow me, you will be able to gain the eternal life you seek. I will walk with you and help you do what seems impossible for you to do!" That truth is consistent not only for salvation and eternal life, but also for carrying out your purpose and creativity along the way. You cannot expect God to do what only you can do, but when you do what you can do, God will walk with you. If you go and walk with God, all things are possible.
What are you putting off because, in your mind, God has to do it? I would urge you to adjust your thinking to see that God will indeed do it but only if you do it. You are His agent and you must go and carry Him with you wherever go, whether into your workshop, studio, office, classroom, family, or church. You need more action thoughts and less passive ones if you are going to do the impossible, not only dreaming about great things but achieving them—with Him. That is the only way to enter the Kingdom, which was actually the issue at stake when the young man asked his question. May you be bold to draw on the power of God so you can do the things God has put in your heart to do to extend His kingdom in which you have been made a citizen and partner. Have a blessed week!
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