Bible Thoughts

November 19, 2000

When a man approached the Lord, he asked, "Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?" (Mark 10:17). Jesus responded by pointing out commandments found in the Law of Moses. The man answered by stating that he had "observed" these from youth. From every appearance, this man was one who would be willing to do as Christ would command. The fact that he inquired indicated interest. But---the man did not know what was expected.

Mark points out that Jesus "looked upon him and loved him"(10:21). There was something about the man that Jesus was moved to feel an emotional reaction to his presence. His inquiry, however, would not be enough: he would be instructed on what he must do to have the eternal life for which he longed.

There was one thing he lacked that would make it possible for him to possess eternal life. "Go, sell whatsoever thou has and give to the poor, and thou shall have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me"(Mark 10:22). Jesus did not hesitate to reveal what must be done to achieve the man's longing for salvation. He must give up whatever stood in the way of pleasing the Lord. Without such a sacrifice, it would not be possible for him to be saved. The man's "countenance fell" as he learned of the demands of Christ and he "went away sorrowful"(Mark 10:22).

There was also a second condition that is easily overlooked: He must follow Jesus Christ. Sacrifice of possessions first; then begin to live the life that the Lord expects of each soul.

Mankind has not changed in the years that have passed since Jesus spoke to the young man. Attracted by the riches and cares of this life, their years are spent in satisfying the flesh. "The heaping of riches" has ruined many a soul. The hindrances to obeying the gospel of Christ are not limited to a love for wealth. Many obstacles have caused countless numbers to refuse to obey the gospel or to leave the path of righteousness.

Each of us should examine our own attitudes toward following the Christ who died for us. Have we permitted some secular obstacle to hinder us from following what God has commanded? To live the life that Christ desires of each of us? To walk in the way that leads to heaven? While it may not be wealth, it could be personal desires, ambitions, interest in secular matters, love of sports, a lifestyle, or any number of pursuits that come into our lives.

The proper attitude toward wealth would have caused the man of riches to realize that he would take none of it with him. He should have resolved to follow the Lord, used the wealth to assist others, and determine that nothing would keep him from serving Christ. This man had a problem with priorities.

Reflecting upon this man, he must have had a good personality. He had observed the Law of Moses from his youth. But now, there was something different. The Lord knew his heart and placed upon the man a burden(in his mind) that he could not bear. Always remember: however much one may appear to others and however much one may seem to be dedicated to the service of God, the ultimate test of faithfulness is whether one will give up anything that stands in the way of pleasing God.

The good news is that many souls have made great sacrifices to follow the Lord Jesus Christ. They have suffered loss of goods, loss of friends, loss of family, etc., in order to please the Lord. Each of us must ask ourselves, "Am I willing to give up anything that hinders me from being pleasing to God?" Only you know the answer.

Love one another Jesus says, just as he loved them and us today. This sounds easy enough, just love one another. What about when somebody does great evil against us and harms the ones we love. Are we still to love them? Jesus also told us to love one another as he loved others, we must use him as our example.

So how exactly did Jesus love others? He came into this world just like any other man. When he was tempted in the wilderness, even though he had gone for forty days and nights of fasting he still did not accept what Satan offered. Why? because he loved God and, yes, he loved us. He then went out and called the apostles and told them to follow him. Why? Because he loved us. Then, in Matthew 5, we read of the sermon on the mount. Again we ask, why was Jesus trying to teach these people the truth? Because he loved us.

Throughout the book of Matthew we read of the miracles that he performed: cleansing the leper; healing the demon possessed; healing the sick; raising some from the dead; how he made the wind and waves obey him and how he made the blind see and the lame walk. Why did he do all these things? Because he loved us.

We read how he sent out the twelve to go and preach to the world, and how he did not come to bring peace to this world but brought division, pure from evil. Why did he do this? Because he loved us.

Jesus was a man who suffered many things because he stood up for what is pure and holy, and he teaches us to do likewise. Why? Because he loved us. Jesus died on that cross because of our sins, but he still loves us. That is how he loved others, by serving God and in so doing helping the people of this world.

December is coming up and this world has got this strange idea that this is the month to be loving towards others, and this is good but the only problem is that they forget about the other eleven months. Follow Jesus. Don’t be like this world, don’t restrict your love for others just to one month. Jesus spent his whole life loving others.-Vaughn Botha