Sometimes the unexpected happens! Then you realize it; I did something really, really stupid!!! But, what has happened, HAS HAPPENED. That was me, yesterday; I said and did things that in retrospect, I wish I had not done. And today someone said something to me that I haven't been able to put out of my mind and so I thought of this passage.Mark 10:17-27 WEB (R)
(17) As he was going out into the way, one ran to him, knelt before him, and asked him, "Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?"
(18) Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good except one-God.
(19) You know the commandments: 'Do not murder,' 'Do not commit adultery,' 'Do not steal,' 'Do not give false testimony,' 'Do not defraud,' 'Honor your father and mother.' "
(20) He said to him, "Teacher, I have observed all these things from my youth."
(21) Jesus looking at him loved him, and said to him, "One thing you lack. Go, sell whatever you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me, taking up the cross."
(22) But his face fell at that saying, and he went away sorrowful, for he was one who had great possessions.
(23) Jesus looked around, and said to his disciples, "How difficult it is for those who have riches to enter into the Kingdom of God!"
(24) The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus answered again, "Children, how hard is it for those who trust in riches to enter into the Kingdom of God!
(25) It is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye than for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of God."
(26) They were exceedingly astonished, saying to him, "Then who can be saved?"
(27) Jesus, looking at them, said, "With men it is impossible, but not with God, for all things are possible with God."
The man who came to Jesus was a good man. An honest, sincere man, but he had a problem...money. Jesus knew his heart and loved him in spite of it, but because of his problem challenged him anyway. The rich man made his choice, and it wasn't the right one. Jesus surprised and amazed his disciples by his words about wealth, but it really wasn't the wealth that was the real problem; it was trusting God. So, I come to verse 27, which for me is very important. Why, because with God, ANYTHING is possible, even overcoming the most overwhelming problem. You knew it once, Gary... remember!