October 28
Read Luke 17 - 18
In Today's Reading:
Forgiveness; 10 lepers; Christ's return foretold; rich young ruler; Christ's death and resurrection foretold; healing of a blind beggar
No one question could be of greater importance than that of a certain ruler (Luke 18:18) who came . . . running, and kneeled to Him (Jesus) (Mark 10:17). He was a young man (Matthew 19:20,22) and possessed great wealth. Kneeling before Jesus, he asked: Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? And Jesus said to him. . . . Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and your mother (Luke 18:18-27; also Matthew 19:16-30; Mark 10:17-31) No one ever addressed a scribe or a rabbi as Good Master - only God was called good. Three Gospels report that he recognized Jesus as more than just another Teacher, but as the Good Master (Teacher). He knew that, beyond this physical life, there was an eternity that he wanted to inherit.
In response to his most vital question: "What must I do?", Jesus told him: You lack one thing: sell all that you have, and distribute to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven: and come, follow Me. And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich (Luke 18:22-23). This should not be twisted to mean that eternal life can be earned by self-effort or sacrificial giving. Eternal life can only come from Him who loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood (Revelation 1:5). He was unwilling to let Jesus be Lord of his life. He would not give up the influence, prestige, and financial security that his wealth provided. He was a good man, and very religious, but sadly he was eternally lost.
The Bible does not condemn people just because they are rich, but, charge (instruct) them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded (conceited), nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate (share); Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life (I Timothy 6:17-19).
Your daily decisions and your lifestyle reveal what you really believe. The story of the young ruler illustrates why Jesus said: Narrow is the way, which leads to life, and few there be that find it (Matthew 7:14).
Word Studies:
17:8 sup = take something to eat and/or to drink; 17:9 trow = trust, think, give acceptance to; 18:1 faint = give up; 18:3 Avenge = Provide justice and protection.
Cross Reference:
For Luke 18:20: See Ex. 20:12-16; Deut. 5:16-20.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Bernice Rathbone · Government Official: Rep. Zach Wamp (TN) · Country: Venezuela (23 million) on the northern coast of South America · Major languages: Spanish and Indian dialects · Religious freedom · 94% Roman Catholic; 1% Protestant; 1% Indian pagan religions · Prayer Suggestion: Humbly kneel before the Lord in prayer and worship the Lord (II Chronicles 6:13).
Memory Verse for the Week: I Corinthians 6:9