May 2, 2012 (1 Chronicles 16; Psalm 106; Matthew 19)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “The disciples were astounded. “Then who in the world can be saved?” they asked.” Matthew 19:25 NLT
Observation: Jesus had just told a rich young man that to have eternal life he must keep the commandments and sell all his possessions, give the money to the poor, and come follow Him. The rich man walked away from Jesus sad. Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, it is very hard for a rich person to enter theKingdom of Heaven.” “Then who in the world can be saved?” the disciples asked. Jesus answered, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible, but with God everything is possible.” The culture of that day, and even still today as a matter of fact, looked at people with great wealth as “blessed” by God. So if it was “very hard” for these people who were “blessed” by God to enter in, what hope was there for a few uneducated fishermen?
Application: The lack of great wealth will in no way keep a person from entering into heaven, any more than the presence of great wealth guarantees them a mansion there. Salvation cannot be purchased with money or good deeds. Salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ and Him alone. It is by His grace that we are saved and are assured of a place being prepared for us there. We must be careful that what we hold on to so dearly in this life does not become the object of our affection and in reality our god. God must be first and most important. Our money, houses, cars, land, family, friends, and yes even our own will, must be laid down and surrendered to Christ and become useless to us when compared to God the Father.
Prayer: Lord. I praise You and worship You for who You are this morning! You are the awesome God of the universe and above You there is no other. Thank You for Your mercy and grace that provide and protect me everyday. Thank You for being all I need. Help me surrender everything and come follow You. Nothing I have given up is worth more than what You have given me in Christ Jesus, in Jesus name, Amen!