November 23, 2017 - - Matthew 19:21-26 Possessions or Faith

Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”

But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. And again I say to you, 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.”

When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?”

But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

This passage aims an arrow straight at the heart of Christians living here in North America. We are very rich. We are devoted to our things, our cars, our electronics, our furniture, our homes, our closets filled with clothes and vacations.

What would it take for a camel to go through the eye of a needle? It would have to be broken down into its component atoms in order to get through that tiny hole. It is impossible, especially if you'd expect the camel to be alive on the other side of the needle's eye!

God has made the impossible possible in Christ. We are cleansed, right down to the very atoms of our being. Sin has been expunged and Christ's righteousness (His right way of living before God) has become ours.

The Holy Spirit shows us our sins. The Holy Spirit walks us through the riches we trust in and the riches we spend so much time trying to maintain and removes from us the lust and greed for things and by the Blood of Christ and the Bible. Sin is now hateful to us and we cry out to the Spirit of God--take it off us, cleanse me, make me clean.

Ask yourself, oh rich man, ask yourself, oh rich woman--am I clinging so closely to my things that there is little room for Christ? With God all things are possible. With God our hearts can be made right and our priorities transformed so that our greatest joy is found in our relationship with the Triune God.

Furthermore, it is offensive that Christians pour so much money, time and effort in giving Christmas presents to the needy. Those who are in need should not be taught or confirmed in the lustful consumerism of our culture. No matter people's economic situation, the greatest need is relationships which will lead people to Christ.

How grotesque and worldly a picture we paint: giving the lost presents for their tree all the while not knowing whether or not their hearts are far from the One Who can save them from hell. Give the treasure of heaven: teach obedience to Jesus to the rich and the poor. Jesus alone is the High King of Heaven, our Ruler and our Joy.

Jesus, continually pour out Your Spirit on me so that the thorough-going lust for things and the avarice of my heart will be purged from me. Lord Jesus, as I read the Word, as I pray, as I walk in stumbling obedience that seeks to mature into greater faithfulness, cause my faith to increase. God my Father, give me the boldness of the Spirit to declare Jesus as the Treasure to all and any who will listen. Bring many prodigal sons and daughters to Yourself this Season. Amen.