Good day dear friends. Let us be in prayer for the arrival of Mattison Graham Wingard. She's due to arrive this morning in Austin to Kristin and James Wingard by C-section. We pray for a great day of celebration in the Wingard and Pennington households!
And yes, today is the first day of The Men's League, a study group starting at 12 noon in Room 129. Please use the entrances on either Hopkins Street or the courtyard or alley. Please avoid going through MDO as our kiddos have set schedules.
Here is our study guide for today:
Thursday: For today let’s read Mark 10:17-27.
17 As he was setting out on a journey, a man ran up and knelt before him, and asked him, "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" 18 Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. 19 You know the commandments: "You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; You shall not defraud; Honor your father and mother.' " 20 He said to him, "Teacher, I have kept all these since my youth." 21 Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said, "You lack one thing; go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me." 22 When he heard this, he was shocked and went away grieving, for he had many possessions. 23 Then Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How hard it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!" 24 And the disciples were perplexed at these words. But Jesus said to them again, "Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God." 26 They were greatly astounded and said to one another, "Then who can be saved?" 27 Jesus looked at them and said, "For mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are possible
While many think that Jesus was literally saying to sell all of one’s possessions, read that story and see what the fault(s) of this “rich young ruler” was/were.
Jesus knew the young man was “in love” with his possessions. But notice the story ends with Jesus being seen as having “loved him.” How does that change the story for you?
It is not a sin to have possessions or money. It becomes a sin when our money or possessions take the place of God in our lives or if we know our possessions are possessing us. Such was the case in the life of this rich young ruler and even for all eternity that is how most people identify him. But what a title. Most spend their lives trying to get the three things in this man's life: Stay young, be rich, and be powerful. This particular guy had it made by worldly standards. Who wouldn't trade places with him? But he lacked one thing and good thing he knew what it was, a relationship with God. Notice how even all the money and power that he had at his disposal couldn't bring him peace. There was a hole in his life and he knew that only God could fill it. And please notice it wasn't religion, for this guy "kept the law." It was about relationship with God. This rich young ruler had a relationship with his money, goods, connections, etc., but where it mattered most it just wasn't happening.
We've often wondered what happened to this young man. He went away sad, but "loved." He was probably confused by the harshness of Jesus' words, but what I believe Jesus was really saying was, "Do you love God more than your money?" or "Do you trust God enough to start over?" Some scholars have even speculated this young man later became Joseph of Arimathea (Mt 27:57)who provided the tomb for Jesus. At any rate, here is proof that a rich man can be a believer and follower of the Lord.
What about you? Do you trust God enough to start over? The joke growing up among us in high school was one we heard surely on tv, "I just started on my second million. I gave up on my first." Later, it was not about millions, it was about miracles. Simple, wonderful miracles such as love, birth, friendships, fellowship, worship.
Where are you?
PRAYER: Gracious God, we thank you for loving us and sharing the miracle of Jesus with us. We praise you for the millions of things and blessings that truly count. We are rich when we are in relationship with you. Let this day be a day for those who need to start over, to do so. And as this day unfolds, let us see You working in wondrous ways among us as we seek to work for You. We pray a special prayer for Kristin and James and especially Mattison. May her arrival fill those hearts with joy, wonder and praise. In Jesus' name. Amen
Have a great day!
Blessings,
e.v.
