Monday, April 17, 2017

Traders

The real question from Jesus to the rich young ruler is pretty simple.  "What are you willing to trade for life in God's kingdom?"  In Mark 10:17-27 a man runs up to Jesus.  There is urgency and expectation in his voice.  "Good teacher ... what shall I do to inherit eternal life?"  The ensuing conversation is one of those watershed moments in the Gospels.

Here's the gist.  The young man desires to "inherit" God's kingdom. This is the first point ... to inherit you must be related.  Maybe he should have asked ... "Jesus ... how do I become your relative."  Jesus has already answered this question pointing out that those that are related to Him are those that follow what He says.  The young man responds that he has kept the commandments of the law of Moses.  Here is his (and sometimes our) first mistake.  Only Jesus can truly fulfill the law of Moses but Jesus calls us beyond those laws.  "The law says ___ but I say ___ ."  Jesus fills in those blanks with some pretty difficult things.  One of those things is what Jesus says about what we possess.  I wonder if Jesus is thinking ... "Why are you wanting to inherit more ... you have everything anyone could possibly want?  Do you intuitively know that something is lacking and that there is an emptiness in you?"  Jesus looks at the man and points out "One thing you lack ... you are possessed by your possessions.  So choose your inheritance.  Will you attach your life to the stuff you have or will you attach yourself to me as your relative?  Will you trade your stuff for a relationship with me?"

Many of us look at this story and say, "Yea ... that's right!  The rich young ruler goes away sad because his possessions own him!"  Since we view ourselves as having little then we are able to look down on the rich young ruler and judge him harshly.  Let's take an honest  step back.

We all have things we can trade in for a better and more Biblical relationship with God.  How about our time we spend addicted to our devices?  Do we think it honors God that we take hours daily on all the "apps" that have a hold on us?  I just blocked several people on Facebook because 90% of my notifications came from them.  I like them and love them as friends but really ... should I care that they are chillin at the mall?  By the number of posts I can see (and really everyone but them can see) that they are addicted to their devices, their apps, their games and their digital interaction.  How about trading some of that time in for Godly interactions like mission, church, family and watching your kids grow?

And while I am pointing fingers I can turn that around and point at myself.  Sports?  Fishing?  Football?  Hunting?  Television?  You can add any time-killer you like.  But I hope you get the point.  The rich young ruler is being asked to trade in the worthless for the worthwhile.  He is being asked to trade the temporal for the eternal.  He is being asked to become a full and alert participant in life the way God intends ... not the way Google, Facebook, TV Networks, Advertising Agencies, Political Parties, Governments and Special Interests intend.  Becoming a trader is waking up and seeing the world as it is ... not as we are led to think.  That's my take ... what do you think? Randy

2 comments:

  1. My Brothers and Sister all over the world, I am Mrs Boo Wheat from Canada ; i was in need of loan some month ago. i needed a loan to open my restaurant and bar, when one of my long time business partner introduce me to this good and trustful loan lender DR PURVA PIUS that help me out with a loan, and is interest rate is very low , thank God today. I am now a successful business woman, and I became useful. In the life of others, I now hold a restaurant and bar. And about 30 workers, thank GOD for my life I am leaving well today a happy father with three kids, thanks to you DR PURVA PIUS Now I can take care of my lovely family, i can now pay my bill. I am now the bread winner of my family. If you are look for a trustful and reliable loan leader. You can Email him via,mail (urgentloan22@gmail.com) Please tell him Mrs Boo Wheat from Canada introduce you to him. THANKS

    ReplyDelete
  2. Are you in need of a loan? Do you want to pay off your bills? Do you want to be financially stable? All you have to do is to contact us for more information on how to get started and get the loan you desire. This offer is open to all that will be able to repay back in due time. Note-that repayment time frame is negotiable and at interest rate of 3% just email us (urgentloan22@gmail.com)

    ReplyDelete