Luke 18: 18-30
verses 24-27: Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” Those who heard this asked, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus replied, “What is impossible with men is possible with God.”
Money has such a powerful effect on people. It can change people, rarely for the better. It can change our perception of others. It affects how we treat people. It often determines one’s choice for career. Yet it is so unimportant in an eternal sense. “You (truly) can’t take it with you.” Maybe that is the image Jesus is trying to convey- even at his last breath, a rich man is trying to carry all of his wealth into eternity, but the doorway is just too narrow for all of that.
With God, all things are possible. Money can be seen for what it is and can be- a tool. It can be used for good. And a person’s faith in God will determine his true wealth. I don’t ever want a love for money to overshadow my love for God.
Father God, you have showered me with blessings. May I be a good steward of all that I have, for I know it all came from you. Help me to be generous and compassionate toward others. Amen
Becky, transforming
Luke 18:18-30 I can picture the crowd watching this rich young man. He was probably dressed in splendid clothing that spoke of his station in life. While he was probably not a “bad” man—in fact he was good in that he knew the commandments and kept them, he needed more. Sometimes when I read this, I sense that no matter how much this rich man had, money, power, prestige, property, etc. there was something missing in his life. The option Jesus gave him did make him sad because despite his needing more in his life, his love of his property and riches drew him strongly away from what Jesus offered. What he didn’t realize was what he might gain. Secu…
Luke 18:18-30
Because money represents power, authority and success, it makes it difficult for rich people to realize they need God just as the poor. Jesus does not ask us to sell everything we own, although this may be his will for some. He does ask us to get rid of anything that becomes more important to us than him. It is right that we base our faith and security on God and not on what we own. What is impossible for men is possible with God. Jesus offered salvation to the poor, he just as well could offer the same to the rich. I am starting to think like Rosalind, that there is always more to the story…
Luke 18: 18-30
18 A certain ruler asked him “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
The rich ruler is excited about following Jesus until he learns the cost. He did not want to rely just on God alone and not on himself or his wealth. Putting Jesus first is what God is after. I have to learn that obeying Jesus in this way requires me to trust in His promises. That for any heartache or sacrifice that I encounter in this life, Jesus will make it worthwhile in the next.
Dearest Lord and Savior, you taught us so many things, some are not as clear to me as I would like them to be. But you…
Luke 18:21 - “He replied, ’I have kept all these since my youth.’”
The classic, “I’m a good person” argument goes back to Jesus’ time on earth. We cannot save ourselves by doing good works. It is by faith alone through grace alone that we enter the kingdom of God.
Prayer - Gracious God, help me to keep my spiritual priorities straight and not lean on good works to earn Your favor. Rather let my good works be in thanksgiving for what Jesus has done. Amen.
TAA
2021-0406 Tuesday, Daily Devotion
Luke 18:28 (NIV)
28 Peter said to him, “We have left all we had to follow you!”
In today’s scriptures, one extreme expression might be Peter’s word to Jesus, “We’ve left our homes to follow you.” Peter’s word sounds like “You are the top authority above anything else in my life.” God is the top authority, the final decision maker, and The Boss in my life. But, sometimes I forget Him in certain important moments because I have enough resources to make a decision, enough people to consult with, or enough finance to do something like Peter and other disciples did.
Lord, I look at myself deeply with Your Word. Purify me by Your Spirit so…