Matthew 19;16-22 (KJV)
And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?
And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,
Honor thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.
The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?
Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.
But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.
BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU TELL CHRIST YOU ARE WILLING TO DO, IF YOU ARE NOT WILLING TO DO IT!!!!!!!!!
This certain young man came to Christ from the gate with a certain 'thing' in his heart. And, for those of you that are reading who like to say all the right things, even if you are not seriously thinking of making them happen, please pay attention. This thing he, the young man, desired wasn't heaven. Wow! Bold statement Brova Stokes! Accuse the man all out in public like that.....
Let's return to the text, maybe you will be able to mentally recall the exact person that I supposedly "accused". All out in public. First off, this young man shows us that his concern has nothing to do with Christ, the kingdom of Heaven, or eternal life. Look at his question: (v16), this is more the inquiry of fulfillment. Like a student in detention, searching for the specific requirement to gain release; early release at that. I mean this is a 'young' man.
Okay, so at this point Christ tells him of the fact that, one, do not try flattery. "It seriously will get you nowhere with me." Two, in order to gain eternal life keep the commandments. Right there we are given all the information needed to see that this young man doesn't desire to gain eternal life. I can fold up shop and walk away secure in the fact that you are encouraged. Hallelujah!!! What?... Wait, you don't get it?.... Why? Do you not see that Christ knew this young man didn't care to obtain eternal life?
Go to verse 18. See this young man's question? Do you see it?..... Now, swing over to verse 20 and read the young man's statement. Did you read it? Now, if you go back and read what Christ said, as being this young man's "requirement" for entrance into enternal life, you will see that Christ didn't tell him about baptism. Christ didn't ask about his heart, or his desire to follow (walk) with Christ. Why?... No, I ask you all: Why? C'mon..... you have the scriptures right there with you. It is because this particular young man was only interested in securing the answer. He didn't desire eternal AT ALL.
It is sort of like most of those who will answer this simple I ask: Are you a Christian? We knkw the answer we hear, or give. It is fluid, without hesitation, and when given, the person seriously believes that it is what defines them as Christian. This young man seriously believed he had done what was required of him, yet he needed to verify. Make sure in his mind that he HAD (past tense) done all that was required. He is young. He does have time to do, perform, get out the way, that which is necessary.
Christ knows!!!!! That is why there is no mention of baptisms or issues of the heart. For Christ understood what we couldn't see just by looking at this particular young man. That is why Christ, after hearing this young man's statement (v20), says to him, "If thou wilt be perfect". Now, do you see?.... I surely pray you do. Christ understands what we don't, even before the not understanding arrives to be present with us. This particular young man saw eternal life as just something else he could possess. A thing to secure and set to the side: to pull it out on Judgement Day And say, "See, I got my eternal life." Like it's a Visa. Because Christ could see this, he didn't need to waste time with this young man and inform him about being born again, or cleansing his heart. That is why what Christ did say to him sent him away, head down. Christ gave the one 'thing' to this young man that he couldn't perform. "Go and sell that thou hast." Simple action for the one that is serious about eternal life. So simple that it doesn't need to be spoken. For when the day of requirement comes you will have that yard sale without prompting.
This is why the young man hung his head as he exited. This one 'thing' couldn't be done so that one 'thing' couldn't be acquired. Be careful Brothers and Sisters that you do not run up on that 'thing' that will make you hang your head. Oh, it is out there. For some it is a vehicle, a home, or a certain university. For some others it is a man, or a woman, or the ultimate desire for children. Still for others it is fame, or riches, or even the ability to command the hearts and minds of their adoring fans. Whatever it is, when Christ says, "Let it go" Please, Please do not hang your head as you walk away from Christ.
Matthew 19;23-26 (KJV)
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.
And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?
But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
Holla,
Yer Brova Catalyst
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