Luke 18:18 “Now a certain ruler asked Him, saying, ‘Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?’”
Dear God,
I thank You for all things this morning; including my life and strength, on this new day. It is Anzac day in Australia and New Zealand, a day when we remember those who lost their lives in battle for their country.
This brings to my mind, that there comes a day when all those who have lost their lives in doing Your bidding and work, along with all those people who have died, faithful in their love for You; will be rewarded, by being raised again, to life immortal, and then be taken to heaven by Jesus, to live with all in heaven for ever and ever, 1 Thessalonians 4: 16, 17. This will indeed be pure joy, unsurpassed by anything in our human experience or memory bank. It is wonderful to contemplate, that Jesus and His Father and all of heaven are so pure, that glorious light glows from them in such intensity that all is vibrant with light.
When Jesus was still on earth, God, The Father, The Holy Spirit and the angel messengers also endeavoured with Jesus to bring people to accept His saving love, as well as what it means to live for Him, with the hope of the eternal rewards, for all who will accept Him. The good news is that after Jesus returned to heaven, all measures to save and bring the hope of eternity to all mankind has never ceased, and increases prior to the second coming of Jesus.
Sadly we often overlook what You, God have really said or done, by limiting You through our human experiences or mind set. I am also sorry for the times I have been presumptuous and self-important, and thereby have missed your lessons and intended blessings for me.
I find such an illustration from the scripture passage of Luke 18: 18, when a young man of substance and prestigious position, having lived a life obedient to God’s law, came to Jesus with the question, ‘what must I do to have eternal life?’ This young man exhibited an attractive, upright character that appealed to Jesus. In the end it was evident that he was in love with his riches and position greatly. When a choice needed to be made, his mind set prevented him from saying good bye to his riches and position, and come serve Jesus. Jesus had/does not ask all people to give up their riches, but He knew the heart of this young man, and that his riches had become so important that his reliance on status and riches would separate him from God, if he continued his life as it was.
As with so many of us, he also lacked sufficient faith and trust in You to provide and be with him/ us in all situations; especially when we put aside our agenda to do as You request. Praise Your name, for You have promised to grow my/our faith and trust, when I in Your strength, believe and claim all Your promises for myself.
The story of Jesus and the blind man of Luke 18:37 – 43 illustrates what God can do when we give ourselves to Him in faith. Luke 18: 42 “Then Jesus said to him, ‘Receive your sight; your faith has made you well.’” He immediately received his sight.
I have been reminded, that it is always my faith in You, Lord, that will make me well, whether it is now, or when Jesus comes again. Be my strength and solace at all times, because I have asked and believe I will receive Your strength and solace.
Amen