“How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! … It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle.”
Mark 10:23, 25
In Jesus’ day it was thought that riches were a sign of God’s blessing and that the rich were assured good things in heaven. But Jesus never said wealth and eternal life went hand in hand. The well-to-do and poor alike will be part of the saints in glory. Still, there’s no doubt that the pull of riches on us in our humanity and sin can be dangerous, indeed.
The disciples’ amazement (vv. 24, 26) came because Jesus’ message turned their world upside down. They didn’t yet comprehend the depth of His mercy. They had surrendered much, but thus far not all. Relying on our own efforts, we too often find it difficult to cast ourselves on God’s mercy. Eventually, we come to the end of ourselves, as the disciples did, wondering if all my possessions and efforts can’t save me, where is my hope?
Your hope is in one place—in Christ’s amazing mercy. Turn from the world’s charms to sing in your heart: “All to Jesus I surrender,/ Humbly at His feet I bow./ Worldly pleasures all forsaken;/ Take me, Jesus, take me now” (J.W. VanDeVenter, 1896).
The disciples’ amazement (vv. 24, 26) came because Jesus’ message turned their world upside down. They didn’t yet comprehend the depth of His mercy. They had surrendered much, but thus far not all. Relying on our own efforts, we too often find it difficult to cast ourselves on God’s mercy. Eventually, we come to the end of ourselves, as the disciples did, wondering if all my possessions and efforts can’t save me, where is my hope?
Your hope is in one place—in Christ’s amazing mercy. Turn from the world’s charms to sing in your heart: “All to Jesus I surrender,/ Humbly at His feet I bow./ Worldly pleasures all forsaken;/ Take me, Jesus, take me now” (J.W. VanDeVenter, 1896).
Scripture Focus
Mark 10:17-27
Insight
“Hold everything in your hands lightly, otherwise it hurts when God pries your fingers open.” (Corrie ten Boom, 1892-1983)
Bible In A Year
- Genesis 47-48
- Psalm 24
- Mark 4