How good, is good enough for God? It's a question people have struggled over for centuries. For there have been times in my life, as I'm sure in many, when I've questioned, Can God still love me, accept me, approve of me, even want me eternally, after what I've done? And even then, when I consider that He has forgiven me... What do I need to do to make things right with Him? I think we all struggle at some point with this. For we are humans who have learned from society to measure ourselves, our worth and our value, compared to others. Even the comparison of what is good, and how good; and what is evil, and to what degree? Whether we admit this or not, it has become ingrained in us. How good is good enough? How much bad will keep me from good? And God knows that this sort of constant comparison and contemplation is not a source of security and hope. Nor is it within His plan for our relationship with Him. So while He had the chance, Jesus made certain to tell us whether this was a right system of self-evaluation. As He was going out on the road... Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life? Matthew 19:16 This man who approached Him stated it very matter-of-factly... desiring to have the right description so that he could go, measure it out, and be sure to get it done. As if it were one good thing in life we could accomplish to earn our way into God's heart. So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. Mark 10:17 And this to be sure, is a great start to answer our question. For the man called Jesus, Good Teacher, realizing that He was like a rabbi in His knowledge of the scriptures, and clearly one whom he trusted for answers. But interestingly, the man has qualified Jesus as being GOOD, and is also wanting to know what GOOD thing he can do to earn his salvation. And Jesus reveals two things. First, that He is, in fact God, and this man has rightly called Him. For only God is GOOD. Which implies the second thing, that there is no GOOD thing any man can do... because only God is GOOD. So Jesus continues... You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’” Here Jesus lists six of the ten given as law, and only forgiven by offering a sacrifice at the temple. And he answered and said to Him, “Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth.” Surely, this is an exemplary man. But good teachers are often kind, not pointing out in front of others what the student has failed. Could this be the reason for only six? And turning to His heart of compassion... Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack... But good teachers also must stretch the student toward learning something new which often will point to an area of misunderstanding or lack. Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.” Matthew 19:18-21 Now this to be sure can be a stumbling block. But let me point out, that Jesus didn't make this a command to all people, but an instruction to this man. It's not to say that we are exempt from letting go of material things as they draw us in to idolatry. But it is to teach us the depth to which this man was attached to the things that held him. But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions Mark 10:17-22 What makes me curious about this man, who could have been the 13th disciple... is that he came seeking answers because he clearly knew his lack. Yet he left sorrowful, still empty, still unfulfilled. Clearly, the riches he was returning to brought him no contentment, or why would he came to Jesus seeking certainty and hope? And the only reason Jesus asked him to give something up is, ironically because He knew that it's absence would fill the void within. This man was a rich, young ruler. He had gained independence and security in this life. It was the after... the eternal, that caused him concern. As it should be with us. For this life is mist, a breath, but a vapor compared to eternity. And many of us hold tightly to something that seemingly gives us security. It may not be money or material goods. But it could be... the approval of others, a position or career, a relationship that feeds emotion, or even an addiction to substance whether healthy or harmful. And while God does not command everyone to sell everything and give it to the poor, He will ask us, in our own time, based on our own desires, to give something up for Him. And it will require faith to trust Him that the absence of that thing will actually fill the void that stirs deeper within. Matthew actually wrote it this way.. 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.” Matthew 19:21 If you want to be perfect... That sounds impossible, when all the man asked for was to know the one GOOD thing. But this word perfect is not like the perfection that Jesus lived throughout His life. Because that is unattainable for us. This is, however, an awesome word... perfect: from the root word teleios. having reached it's end; complete. The word brings a vision of a pirate's telescope, which extends out, one stage at a time in order to function at full strength. As we follow Jesus, He stretches us... extends us one stage at a time, maturing us as we go through life to reach an end goal... our purpose. So one day we will be functioning perfectly, at full strength; complete and satisfied. This to be sure in the strength that only the Good Teacher can provide. But are we willing... to be stretched, extended, sometimes twisted and turned as He pulls into focus that end for which He created us? Word of God train me today... To trust You in the giving up whatever You ask, knowing that it's absence will fill my void. To look forward to the stretch as I become telescoped toward my purposed future; serving You in the perfection and strength only You provide..
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January 2019
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