You Can Take it with You
Reflections on Mark 10:17-31
“At this the disciples were completely amazed and asked one another, “Who, then can be saved?” Jesus looked straight at them and answered, “This is impossible for human beings but not for God; everything is possible for God.” Mark 10:26&27
We have all seen cartoon drawings of a funeral procession driving to the cemetery. Behind the hearse is a moving van and two trailers, They arrive at the grave, and the casket is lowered; the grave is deep. Then all the contents from the moving van and trailers are emptied into the grave. We have also seen bumper stickers on cars and trucks that say, “The last one who dies with the biggest toys-wins.” When these signs appear, we all laugh and smile. The reason why? Many people smile because they know it is not true, earthly possessions are just that; of this world and when we die, they stay. Others smile because the feeling is, I earned it, I bought it and no one take it away from me.
Jesus just finished telling his disciples it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich person. First of all, I want to make it clear, Jesus is not against rich people. Second, the eye of a needle was a narrow gate in the temple walls that camels passed through to the city. However, for them to pass they had to be completely unloaded from the cargo and all the goods they carried were brought in by hand from the owner. The camel may have been re-loaded once passed the walls, but maybe not. Jesus used that illustration to say all your earthly possessions and good work will not get you into heaven. By this time the disciples had seen many things that Jesus did that could lead to their lives ending quickly and if all the good work we have done for others won’t save us, then what will? I am sure Jesus said something to the effect, thanks for asking. Jesus goes on to say, only the relationship you have with God will save you. Only God’s actions will save anyone.
How is your relationship with God developing? Many people feel that Bible reading, going to church and helping someone at times is enough. That is a good start, But how is your servanthood towards others and being Jesus’ disciple in the world today going? As you develop in relationship with God, you see the world as God sees it. You may be given inspired messages from God that you had not heard or learned before that is the relationship you have with God in action. You become the hands that God needs to care for others. And when someone calls you an angel, your relationship with God is being seen by other people. There are other avenues that God walks with us that develop our relationship with him, just listen to what others are saying about their relationship with God. So you can take it with you, not the earthly things we have, but our full relationship we have with God.
Dear Lord, I have always felt that being a good person and not harming others was the way to be saved. Now I understand that a true relationship with God is one that works in the trenches of other’s lives, to work for you and your Kingdom. Then when I stand before your throne of grace, I will see you as a friend, because of the relationship we have had for years. Amen.