It seems we now want to move from the principles of the doctrine of Christ unto perfection (Hebrew 6:1 -3). This sounds great. But this post coming from Throughfaith with this, his observation method, I wonder. Anyway, this is by the way.
Off course, Jesus meant what he says 100%. As regards the richman calling him good master and his response to it, I see it this way. Because we have the gospel and the Holy Spirit, we know that Jesus Christ is God and as God, he is equally good for him and the Father are one. Because the richman does not have this understanding, and must have seen Jesus as a man in the flesh like one of us, and Jesus knowing this answers according to the Man's understanding, for no man is good except God as it is written. We all derive our goodness from God. Even, Jesus as a "Son" for in this case, the father is greater than him.
As regards the second part of selling all he has and following Jesus, what Jesus wanted was, for the rich man to prove himself--- for himself for Jesus already knows him fully. We should not take this as peculiar to this man or to all the richmen in the world. It also applies to every one of us. We call it the test of faith. (and it comes in different forms). What the rich man failed to do was to prove the allness of God and nothingness of the material world – that man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God, being in a state where he has no trust and confidence in the elements of the world but only in God, having unalloyed faith in God, a state where these elements are strictly under his control and dominion in both deprivations and abundance, knowing that with or without them he shall live for it is only God that sustains.
The starting point to prove our love for God with all our hearts, minds and body is the denial of inordinate pleasures of the flesh to curb the fleshly lusts of the heart. We must be content not only in bounty but also in adversity which is what our faith and trust in God enrich us to do - godliness with contentment. Our Lord God humbles us to exalt us and repays our present suffering with future glory here in this world and hereafter. Denying us the pleasures of life as part of this way does not mean that we cannot or it is wrong to be rich as children of God. It does mean that by the time we are exalted, we will be in a better position to maintain our relationship with our father God as we have learnt, known and are established in the truth and will no longer waiver in faith. Our experience produces tested faith, self-discipline and visible love seen in good works.
Jesus said, in Luke 18 : 29 that, there is no man that have left houses, parents, siblings, wife, children for the kingdom of God who shall not receive manifold in this present time and in the world to come everlasting life. All our needs shall be met eventually but we need to learn first the way and manner of the kingdom so that we can live wholly and peaceably in it while in the world. However, It happens that when we grow in knowledge and understanding of God, some things we used to hold dear in our hearts as needs tend to disappear from our scale of preference. We realize that they no longer matter in the scheme of things. And we start paying attention to those things that really matter. Jesus said to Martha, you worry and trouble yourself about many things but one thing is needful and Mary has chosen that path which shall not be taken away from her. When our senses are properly exercised by way of godly experience, we willingly cease to be encumbered by things that add nothing to life. This mindset becomes a passion that steadily drives and keeps us in check on the right path, not to stumble no matter what troubles us on the path until His light of glory shines upon our feet.
Time to stop.........
Off course, Jesus meant what he says 100%. As regards the richman calling him good master and his response to it, I see it this way. Because we have the gospel and the Holy Spirit, we know that Jesus Christ is God and as God, he is equally good for him and the Father are one. Because the richman does not have this understanding, and must have seen Jesus as a man in the flesh like one of us, and Jesus knowing this answers according to the Man's understanding, for no man is good except God as it is written. We all derive our goodness from God. Even, Jesus as a "Son" for in this case, the father is greater than him.
As regards the second part of selling all he has and following Jesus, what Jesus wanted was, for the rich man to prove himself--- for himself for Jesus already knows him fully. We should not take this as peculiar to this man or to all the richmen in the world. It also applies to every one of us. We call it the test of faith. (and it comes in different forms). What the rich man failed to do was to prove the allness of God and nothingness of the material world – that man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God, being in a state where he has no trust and confidence in the elements of the world but only in God, having unalloyed faith in God, a state where these elements are strictly under his control and dominion in both deprivations and abundance, knowing that with or without them he shall live for it is only God that sustains.
The starting point to prove our love for God with all our hearts, minds and body is the denial of inordinate pleasures of the flesh to curb the fleshly lusts of the heart. We must be content not only in bounty but also in adversity which is what our faith and trust in God enrich us to do - godliness with contentment. Our Lord God humbles us to exalt us and repays our present suffering with future glory here in this world and hereafter. Denying us the pleasures of life as part of this way does not mean that we cannot or it is wrong to be rich as children of God. It does mean that by the time we are exalted, we will be in a better position to maintain our relationship with our father God as we have learnt, known and are established in the truth and will no longer waiver in faith. Our experience produces tested faith, self-discipline and visible love seen in good works.
Jesus said, in Luke 18 : 29 that, there is no man that have left houses, parents, siblings, wife, children for the kingdom of God who shall not receive manifold in this present time and in the world to come everlasting life. All our needs shall be met eventually but we need to learn first the way and manner of the kingdom so that we can live wholly and peaceably in it while in the world. However, It happens that when we grow in knowledge and understanding of God, some things we used to hold dear in our hearts as needs tend to disappear from our scale of preference. We realize that they no longer matter in the scheme of things. And we start paying attention to those things that really matter. Jesus said to Martha, you worry and trouble yourself about many things but one thing is needful and Mary has chosen that path which shall not be taken away from her. When our senses are properly exercised by way of godly experience, we willingly cease to be encumbered by things that add nothing to life. This mindset becomes a passion that steadily drives and keeps us in check on the right path, not to stumble no matter what troubles us on the path until His light of glory shines upon our feet.
Time to stop.........
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