In the message “Arise And Walk” we were reminded that as God answers our prayers He does so in a manner which is “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20). He answers according to our true need driven by His divine good. This is a difficult concept but God’s view of this world, and certainly His view of our life, is much grander than our own; “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:9).
This passage in Isaiah occurs as God is calling people to trust Him in ways they do not understand; “Give ear and come to Me; hear Me, that your soul may live” (Isaiah 55:3). God’s path to the greater good – which we must understand is the same as the path to our very best – is the path which follows Him in absolute faith, even when we do not understand.
The story of Jesus and the young rich man gives an example of someone who could not accept this truth. In this story a rich man asked Jesus, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” (Mark 10:17). After first telling the man to obey the commandments related to how he treated others, Jesus gave the man a directive which caused him to turn away.
Mark 10:21
“Jesus looked at him and loved him. ‘One thing you lack,’ He said. ‘Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.'”
To understand this story we need to realize that terms like kingdom of God, eternal life, and salvation, do not simply refer to a ticket to heaven – they refer to that and so much more. When asked by the Pharisees about the kingdom of God, Jesus answered, “the kingdom of God is within (or among) you” (Luke 17:21). Eternal life can begin now! The kingdom can begin now! Salvation can begin now! Yes, there is also a future realization, but let’s not miss the now. The rich man accepted some of what Jesus said but refused to believe that Jesus truly knew what was best and loved him enough to call him to obedience.
God’s very best, His kingdom reality, is available right now. But it is only available through faithfully following His way of truth and not our own. When we choose to walk our own way, contrary to God’s word, we have chosen the path of a fool; “The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice” (Proverbs 12:15). God’s path is never contrary to His word; He will NEVER lead us to lie, cheat, steal, dishonor, slander, or commit adultery. Choosing such a path is choosing the path of a fool and is guaranteed to miss out on God’s best!
Receiving our ticket to heaven might be a one time event, but choosing to live right now in the kingdom of God requires daily choices to live by following the ways of God. So today, and also in the many days to come, we must make the choice: Will we live as a follower or fool?
Have a Christ Centered Day!
Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries
**** Reading Plan ****
Sep 3 Ecclesiastes 4:1-6:12; 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:7; Psalm 47:1-9; Proverbs 22:16
941.95 Run Miles in 2013 : Goal 1509 miles
1827.28 Bike Miles in 2013 : Goal 3000 miles
