February 7, 2018

“‘Again I tell you, 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.’ When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, ‘Who then can be saved?’ Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’” – Matthew 19:24-26

Our pride creates in us a desire to believe that we have earned everything we receive. This is why certain houses, or cars, or even clothes can become “status symbols” for us; showing others that we have succeeded. This desire is so deep, that even when we receive charity from others we like to justify it by saying “it’s our turn because we have given to so many in the past,” or “we are only in this situation because the world has been unfair to us.” But these arguments do not hold up in the presence of God.

In Jesus’ parable in Matthew 19, the problem with the rich man is not simply that he has money. The problem is he thinks he can earn or accomplish anything he desires. That is why the disciples’ question in verse 25 is so important and revealing; “If a rich man cannot earn heaven, then what hope is there for us commoners?!” But that realization is exactly what Jesus was hoping for, because he responds with, “Only through God!” We desire so deeply to somehow earn the incredible gift of grace that God has freely offered through Jesus Christ. But the truth is, there is nothing any of us could ever do to earn God’s grace…it’s more likely that you could shove a camel through the eye of a needle! So when you come to Him, come in complete humility and complete brokenness, accepting the free gift that you could never earn.

Gracious and merciful Father, let our pride fall down. Reveal to us our utter depravity. And let us come to You, not trying to earn anything, but simply receiving what only You can give.

In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Shane Cannon