Mark 10:25
The scripture for today is Mark 10:25
Mark 10:25 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.
The rich young ruler came to Jesus and asked, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” Mark 10:17 When confronted with the prospect of giving up his worldly possessions and following Christ, he was exposed as being externally religious, but in his heart, he was bound by the things of the world. When given the choice of giving up the world and following Christ or holding onto his possessions, he turned away from Christ and walked away.
Jesus also confronted another rich man in scripture named Zacchaeus. The response of Zacchaeus was just the opposite of the rich young ruler. “When the rich young ruler had turned away from Jesus, the disciples had marveled at their Master’s saying, “How hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!” They had exclaimed one to another, “Who then can be saved?” Now they had a demonstration of the truth of Christ’s words, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.” Mark 10:24, 26; Luke 18:27. They saw how, through the grace of God, a rich man could enter into the kingdom.
Before Zacchaeus had looked upon the face of Christ, he had begun the work that made him manifest as a true penitent. Before being accused by man, he had confessed his sin. He had yielded to the conviction of the Holy Spirit, and had begun to carry out the teaching of the words written for ancient Israel, as well as for ourselves. The Lord had said long before, “If thy brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay with thee; then thou shalt relieve him: yea, though he be a stranger, or a sojourner; that he may live with thee. Take thou no usury of him, or increase: but fear thy God; that thy brother may live with thee. Thou shalt not give him thy money upon usury, nor lend him thy victuals for increase.” “Ye shall not therefore oppress one another; but thou shalt fear thy God.” Leviticus 25:35–37, 17. These words had been spoken by Christ Himself when He was enshrouded in the pillar of cloud, and the very first response of Zacchaeus to the love of Christ was in manifesting compassion toward the poor and suffering.” Ellen White, The Desire of Ages, p. 555
Jesus did not say that the rich could not be saved, just that it is difficult because they tend to trust in their riches as the rich young ruler did. But with God all things are possible. Jesus died for everyone, rich and poor alike and everyone still has a choice.
God bless you as you continue in His service.
Tim