Possessions & the Kingdom
Open Your Bible
Mark 10:1-52, Isaiah 51:17, 1 Peter 4:13
BY Bailey T. Hurley
When we began to look for a preschool for my son, all the women in the neighborhood said, “It’s too late. You should have applied when he was first born to get him on the waitlist. Now you’ll never be able to get into the school you want.” My son was only two at the time! How was I to know getting into preschool would be almost impossible?
There were so many ways I wanted to solve the problem. Should we see if we have any connection to the school? Should we just tell them we’re really nice people, so they will accept our son? What would it take to get us in?
Similar questions were raised in Mark 10, when the disciples were concerned about getting into heaven. In this chapter, a rich young ruler asked how to inherit eternal life (vv.17–22). He seemed to be doing all the right things, but he could not give up his affection for wealth in order to follow Jesus. And then Jesus said that it’s easier for “a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God” (v.25). At this, the disciples grew worried. How would they ever be able to enter heaven? What more could they do to get into the kingdom of God?
Whether we’re aware of it or not, we often try to prove ourselves worthy of our spot in the kingdom. We want to be seen giving to charity, praying the best prayers, and reading our Bibles daily so our salvation seems credible. If our salvation rested on us alone, though, we would also need to reconcile our sin, much like the rich young ruler. What comforts do we still cling to? What idols are we still resistant to rid ourselves of? Do we really want God more than anything or anyone else?
Thankfully, our ability to follow Jesus does not rest on our strength. Like James and John, who wondered how they could get a seat of honor in heaven, we may think we can earn our way into God’s kingdom. The truth is, redemption is an act only God Himself can accomplish. “With man it is impossible, but not with God, because all things are possible with God” (Mark 10:27).
God opened the gates to His kingdom through Jesus’s death and resurrection. There are no waitlists in God’s kingdom. There are no impossible standards of holiness to attain—only the perfect righteousness Jesus already achieved and extends to us.
56 thoughts on "Possessions & the Kingdom"
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“What do you want God to do for you now?” I paused at this question and changed my answer several times for some odd reason. Years ago, my answer would be a list of tangible things. But now I will say, Lord I desire to have the knowledge of You, anything concerning you, your heart, your mind, your pain and your heartaches, your will, your agenda. What hurts you God? Will the things that hurt You hurt me too? I used to wonder when I was little if God cries. Since Jesus did seeing people suffering, and so I realize that God also cries. I desire to know the heart of God, it’s the most precious heart with many unknown pain and hidden mysteries. God, allow me to be the one that makes You smile. I love you God.
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I also found it profound when today’s devotion said, “There are no waitlists in God’s kingdom. There are no impossible standards of holiness to attain, only the perfect righteousness Jesus ALREADY achieved and extended to us.”
That was SO encouraging to me! The only race I have to run is my race with God. The only race I have to compare mine to is the growth from my past to my present to my future. I don’t have to change who I am, mold myself into a more “approved” woman in society. Thank you JESUS. -
I’m truly just in awe of how striking the Gospel ACTUALLY is. I’ve read some of these stories other before and every time it reads me differently. Truth be told, I AM the “rich young ruler,” clinging on to what *I think* is best for me, comforting to me, etc. But also in this particular season of my life, I want to be more like Bartimeaus. I want to be so sure in my faith in Jesus that I cry out to Him for healing regardless of what my unhealthy thoughts and feelings or what others may think about me. Heavenly Father, help my unbelief. Help me to drop the things I hold closer to my heart than your Word.
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I pray that I would put Jesus first and foremost in my life. That all other idols would now at his feet. Thank God I can’t get salvation on my own, I probably would have lost it by now.
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Amen Churchmouse! Amen
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Dorothy my story feels very similar to yours. Prayers for you and your family today.
I enjoy decor & fashion. Does it get in the way of spending time with God? Yes. I need to set my priorities right. -
Praying
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Dorothy thank you for sharing and thank you for serving as a LPN. Your words of thankfulness for the tough times as well as the blessings reminded me again that God meets us right where we are. Praying for your family may they feel His love and comfort embracing them during this time. Praying for you too Taylor and your friend He knows this sorrow, may you both feel His love and peace. Also for a new place to call home, that you will see again how He is providing and that it will be exactly what you need. Shannon thank you for serving in Pediatric Neurosurgury. May you know that He is there with you and your prayers avail much from our Lord. Angie, and all you teachers out there welcoming the little ones with open arms and listening ears and caring hearts for seeing your students as the treasures they are. Thank you. Praying you find His rest that restores you, His strength and love abundant as you serve. What gifts and what a difference you all make wherever you are my Sisters, He is near and He is working through all you give. Praise be to our God!
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