Matthew 19 | What's The Good Word?

Photo by Laura Jostes

Exodus 7:25-9:35; Matthew 19:13-30; Psalm 24:1-10; Proverbs 6:1-5

“And Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. Again, I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.

When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Matthew 19:23-26

* * * * *

Yes!

With all God all things are possible.

Like turning hearts of stone

into hearts aflame,

aglow

with the Spirit

who makes all things new.

* * * *
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

Hebrews 4:12

* * * *

“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” Romans 10:17

Lord God, thank you for piercing my heart with your living word which worked faith in a heart once dead to your goodness and grace. I pray that the same power of your Word work wonders in the hearts of those who are yet in darkness. Bless the lips of those who speak Your Word and faithfully proclaim your truth. May the ears hearing your words receive them and not turn away from your Gift of Grace in Jesus Christ who won for them the forgiveness of all their sins. I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

sacrament

Image by Brad Castaneda

Exodus 7:25-9:35; Matthew 19:13-30; Psalm 24:1-10; Proverbs 6:1-5

“Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?” “Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments.” “Which ones?” the man inquired. Jesus replied, “Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother, and love your neighbor as yourself.” “All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?” Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.” Matthew 19:16-22

Jesus did a heart scan on the young man which revealed the truth–the young man loved his wealth above all else. Even though he led a “good” life, his heart harbored love of money rather than love of God.

Jesus offered a remedy–“Go, sell your possessions and give to the poor…then follow me.”

What would a scan of my heart reveal?

Lord God, you remedied our sin sick hearts by sending your Son Jesus to die on the Cross. His atoning sacrifice was the “good” that you desired. Grant us faith to rely solely on his goodness and mercy as the answer to the question “What must I do to get eternal life?” In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen