TUESDAY MEDITATION
TUESDAY 19TH SEPTEMBER, 2017.
THE UNSHAKABLE KINGDOM (PART 6)
"When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." (Lk 18:22)
What does it mean to belong to God's kingdom? We have an answer to this crucial question today. There's a story of a certain rich man who came to Jesus to know what he must do to inherit eternal life. (Lk 18:18-26) Jesus' reply that the man knew the commandments was meant to take the man from known to unknown.
The Ten Commandments never mentioned anything about eternal life for those who observed it. It's at best a system that regulated morality, initiated ethical behaviour and spirituality. Having mentioned the Ten Commandments, his expectation was that Jesus would approve him of being ready to inherit eternal life. Instead, Jesus told him "one thing you still lack." Go and sell all that you have and give the proceeds to the poor thereby removing his heart and trust from his riches.
Let me call your attention to three points in this story:
1. THE HEART OF THE MATTER IS THE MATTER OF THE HEART. When you settle your heart issues with God you are ready to become a kingdom citizen.2. Jesus was not against riches. He was against putting one's heart and trust in temporary things. (Matt. 6:24, 33; 1 Timothy 6:7-10)3. No one can fulfil the conditions of entering God's kingdom by observing the laws! The primary condition has been fulfilled in Jesus. (Rom. 5:1-11) It's your turn to repent in response to Christ's provision. The conditions of the laws have been fulfilled in Jesus.
ACTION: The first priority in the kingdom of God is the situation of your heart. God wants first your love, trust, devotion before anything else.
This devotion is a gift of God to you through Bethel Gospel Centre. It will come to you every Tuesday morning. You may share it to allow it benefit others. Have a profitable day.#bgcblog#thefaithandthefaithful#tuesdaymeditation#BethelGospelCentre