Scripture is inspired by God and has been given to minister the truth to our lives. The Word helps us understand God’s righteous standards—how the Lord must be loved and how we love others (2 Tim 3:16). Although God gave us the Ten Commandments, striving to observe them was never going to be the way to salvation. It is impossible to obey them perfectly even if we think we are doing a pretty good job. God wants every human being to know the only way to salvation is dependence upon Him by grace through faith (Eph 2:8-9).
God knows every heart; he knows the idols we have made and he knows the weaknesses that seek to destroy our worship of Him. He asks us to follow him into a better more righteous place in his presence. We all make mistakes, but we must allow the Living Word of God to correct us and send us in a better direction. God is the Truth.
A wise person said, “More people would learn from their mistakes if they weren’t so busy denying them.”
In our passage today, Jesus encounters a wealthy religious leader. This person has the wrong idea about eternal salvation; so, to clarify the point Jesus tells him to sell all his possession and give the money to the poor. It is a test, because Jesus already knows the leader depends on his wealth (idol) rather than God. When the man leaves his conversation with Jesus, he knows the truth of his own heart, as well.
Eternal life is connected to knowing the Lord can provide for our every need. We must trust and depend upon his love for us. Do you know? It’s a test…
Luke 18:18-30 NLT The Rich Man
18 Once a religious leader asked Jesus this question: “Good Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?”
19 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked him. “Only God is truly good. 20 But to answer your question, you know the commandments: ‘You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. Honor your father and mother.’”
21 The man replied, “I’ve obeyed all these commandments since I was young.”
22 When Jesus heard his answer, he said, “There is still one thing you haven’t done. Sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
23 But when the man heard this he became very sad, for he was very rich.
24 When Jesus saw this,[b] he said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God! 25 In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!”
26 Those who heard this said, “Then who in the world can be saved?”
27 He replied, “What is impossible for people is possible with God.”
28 Peter said, “We’ve left our homes to follow you.”
29 “Yes,” Jesus replied, “and I assure you that everyone who has given up house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the Kingdom of God, 30 will be repaid many times over in this life, and will have eternal life in the world to come.”
Prayer: Lord, you know our hearts and you know our needs. Help us to confess our mistakes when we make them, as well as ask for the help we truly need. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, we pray our lives will reflect more of the divine nature. You alone deserve our worship, Lord. We trust you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.