The Lord commanded Israel to capture the city of Jericho. The walls of Jericho were at least 13 feet heigh and backed by a watchtower some 28 feet tall. The stone wall surrounding the city was 6 feet thick. “…the people shouted when the priests blew the trumpets. And it happened when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that THE WALL FELL DOWN FLAT. Then the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and THEY TOOK THE CITY.” (Joshua 6:20)
How is that possible? 13 feet by 6 feet walls FALL DOWN FLAT! Well, let’s see, on the fourth day of creation the Sun, Moon and all the stars were SPOKEN INTO EXISTENCE. “Ah, LORD GOD! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. THERE IS NOTHING TOO HARD FOR YOU.” (Jeremiah 32:17)
Jesus was teaching His disciples the importance of submitting everything to God, The Gospels of Matthew and Mark record that this man who came to Jesus was young and possessed great wealth. The Gospel of Luke adds that he was a “ruler,” which most likely places him within the Herodian dynasty. Accordingly, this rich young ruler was probably a Hellenized Jew with GREAT POLITICAL CLOUT, SIGNIFICANT WEALTH, SOCIAL ESTEEM and a promising future. Yet this young man, for all his earthly prominence, wanted more. HE WANTED TO LIVE FOREVER. When the opportunity presented itself, he very respectfully presented himself to Jesus and asked the question that was at the forefront of his mind. “Good Teacher, what GOOD THING SHALL I DO that I may have eternal life?” (Matthew 19:16)
Jesus told him all he must do TO BE SAVED, The young man (who was more interested in living for ever rather than BEING SAVED) said to Him, “All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?” 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.” (Matthew 19:20-22) “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.” (Matthew 19:24-26)
WHEN WE COME TO THE LORD WITH PROPER MOTIVES ALL THINGS WILL GO WELL…
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham