PENTECOST • 48

How much of my life reflects the God I believe in and profess?

This week’s readings invite us to examine our heart and lives before our Lord and God.

reading for: 6 Oct

Mark 10:17-31

What does our wealth and riches reveal about our hearts?

  • READ

Today’s reading includes a rather descriptive interaction between Jesus and a rich young ruler. Mark’s account of the rich young ruler began with an earnest and authentic approach of Jesus. He intentionally describes the young ruler running and falling to his knees before God (v17) – neither alluding to the young man’s behaviour being hypocritical or deceptive in nature nor with any intention to trap Jesus as with some other accounts. He wants his readers to look at this story to be an account of a sincere individual approaching Jesus for wisdom and direction for eternal life (v17).

Verse 18 records Jesus responding with a profound question. Jesus asked the young ruler ‘Why do you call me good?’ and follows up with a qualification that ‘No one is good – except God alone’. Much like the rest of the book of Mark, this story was written in such a way that allows for the reader to decide for themselves ‘Who is this man…?’ (Mark 4:41). Through this account Mark simply noted that the young ruler saw Jesus as ethically ‘good’ (v17). In the original language ‘good’ here points to Jesus’ quality as a person rather than a description of his teaching ability.

That said, Jesus’ question response was likely intended to stretch the rich young ruler’s unconscious assumptions towards a more conscious and accurate appraisal of ‘Who’ he was approaching for wisdom and direction. Through this profound question, Jesus opened up the young man to consider what his own unconscious observations could mean – perhaps he was approaching One of Godly quality since God alone is good.

A quick summary of what happens next is that Jesus then went on to say that the young man knew God’s commandments and invited him to evaluate his own life in the light of them. This is interesting because Jesus probably knew that this man was a devout Jewish man and would have memorized God’s commandments from a young age and probably dedicated his life to keeping God’s commandments (this was the usual upbringing of every Jewish child). His intention was probably to elicit the young ruler’s awareness of the insufficiency of his knowledge and his outward practice of the commandments. Jesus further lovingly (v21) discerned and pointed out an area of covetousness that was present in the young ruler’s life.

In keeping with other portions of scripture where Jesus had much to say about the proper interpretation and application of the Torah (Matt 5-7), Jesus gave a call for the young man to sell all his possessions, to give to the poor, and to follow Him. This loving confrontation was to reveal the covetousness in the man’s heart in that his great wealth stood in the way of him caring for the needs of his neighbour. Mark made it clear that this was personalized and discerned prescription for the young man (i.e. “One thing you lack...”), rather than a universal teaching on how one is to gain eternal life. ‘He went away sad, because he had great wealth’. This is an easy juxtaposition to Jesus’ story of the man who found great treasure and sold all he had to purchase the great treasure (Matt 13:44-45).

More importantly, Jesus was showing the rich young ruler what was holding him back from unhindered devotion to God. Mark also alluded that a wholehearted dedication to Himself as the way towards eternal life (v21) since this call was in a compiled response to the young man’s question on attain eternal life. This too is in keeping with other portions of scripture - “Now this is eternal life: that they know You, the only true God and Jesus Christ, whom You sent” (John 17:3).

Today’s reading concludes with a side conversation between Jesus and His disciples. Jesus taught them that it is truly humanly impossible for a person who perceives richness apart from God from entering the Kingdom of God (v24-25). However, Jesus offered hope for this through God (v27) as well as an assurance that those who are willing to pursue Him above all else will by no means be short changed (v29-30) though we ought not to be fooled into thinking this path will be devoid of persecutions (v30).  

  • REFLECT

As I was writing this, I am personally challenged to consider my own heart’s posture towards God. Do I see Jesus as my measure of richness (AKA My exceedingly great reward) or do I have other things that hold that place of ‘richness’ in my heart? It may not be material wealth like in the case of the rich young ruler, but if we do allow the Holy Spirit to take a look at our hearts and hands, we should not be surprised to see other things in the way of our wholehearted dedication to God.

Perhaps, it may be like the examples that Jesus alluded to like relationships (e.g. with our family, friends, wife and children as in verse 29), and fields (which can refer to our work, status and prestige and things of worldly value, or even simply just how we look like to the people around us). Jesus’ call to leave these things is not a call to be a bad parent, friend, spouse, or steward of the things given to us, but rather a call to check our hearts. Are we wholeheartedly dedicated to Him? Our Lord Jesus demands nothing less then what is written in the first part of the greatest commandment to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength and mind” (Luke 10:27).

I believe He is calling us to consider how our lives are conformed to the reality of His living presence and Lordship in our lives this very day. If we know that other things have taken God’s place in our lives, I pray that we may all not harden our hearts to the Holy Spirit in our hearts this day. With man it is impossible, but God has paid the price for us to be one with Him through His Spirit. No matter where we are this day, let us heed God’s loving invitation and come boldly to His throne of grace. Oh, taste and see that He is good (Psalm 34:8). He is truly our exceedingly great reward (Genesis 15:1). Let us not settle for anything less. 

As I conclude I am reminded of the song “Move your Heart” by Maverick City Music. If led to, do join me in responding through this song in prayerful worship.

reading for: 7 Oct

Amos 5:6-7, 10-15

What do the fruits of our life reveal about us?

  • READ

    Following yesterday’s reading, it is no coincidence that today’s reading is anchored by two key verses. The first with a call to ‘seek the Lord and live’ (v6) and the latter to ‘seek good… and you may live’ (v14). Much like in Mark, with the rich young ruler seeking the Lord Jesus and deeper look into the meaning of ‘good’’ – “Why do you call me good?” (Mark 10:18).

    The context of the book of Amos reveals more. The book was a written compilation of God’s word to the nation of Israel through his prophet Amos during a period after they had claimed independence from Judah (1 Kings 12). What’s interesting was at the time of writing, Israel was being ruled by King Jeroboam II, a successful military leader that had won new territory for Israel and had generated much wealth for Israel – i.e. they were very rich, much like the rich young ruler. While he was successful in his campaigns and in bringing Israel much material wealth, the prophets of God saw him as one of the worst kings ever. His wealth had led to apathy towards God, much like how the rich young ruler’s wealth was what kept him from wholehearted dedication to God. The fruits of this apathy were seen in his allowing of idol worship for the gods of Cannan, which in turn led to injustice and neglect for the poor which we see described in today’s reading. 

    Between our first anchor verse and the second, verses 7 and 10-12 describe the fruits of their apathy – lives that turn justice bitter and disregard righteousness (v7), hating justice and the truth (v10), oppressing the poor and innocent for their own benefit (v11-12). However, these do not go unnoticed. Verse 12 tells us the Lord sees and know these, and verses 6 and 11 tell us that the Lord Himself will judge them and ensure that their lives will amount to nothing. After the 2nd anchor verse, the prophet Amos tells them they had ought to do - to “seek good” (v14), “hate evil, love good” and to “maintain justice” (v15).

    It is helpful to note at this point that the word ‘righteousess’ in Hebrew is ‘Tsedaqah’ which speaks of right relationships that refers to a standard of right equitable relationships with people regardless of their social differences. The Hebrew word for ‘injustice’, ‘Mshpat’ on the other hand refers to concrete actions you take to correct injustice to create righteousness. From one look at their fruits, Israel had fallen far from the people that God delivered from slavery in Egypt and chosen to fulfill their Abrahamic call and heritage to be a blessing to all peoples of the Earth.

    This chapter tells us that a good relationship and worship of God should be synonymous with righteousness and justice rather than the religious hypocrisy that was detestable before God.

    As a continuation to yesterday’s lectionary which leaned primarily towards an invitation for us to look at the posture of our hearts towards God, today’s reading invites us to further examine our lives through the fruits we are bearing. It warns us of the consequences of apathy towards God and to look out for its tell-tale signs that we may repent of our evil way and seek the Lord. 

  • REFLECT

    One reality that the Lord confronted me with recently was the realization that I had gradually compartmentalized truths and realities of God. One particular aspect of my compartmentalization can be found in the aspect of our Easter proclamation that Jesus is alive and with us right this moment. His resurrection, power, and Lordship is not just a hope for our future and something that happened in the past but a present reality that should shape and direct our lives every day and moment.

    However, for many of us this is reality of His present presence is one that we hardly live out. I have found personally that it was easier to live my life as though He is not really here with me rather than acknowledge and deal with the reality of His present presence with me. Life is just less intense and easier in that I can still continue to be the lord of my own life in certain aspects. Much like the reality of marriage, intimacy is intense and requires our surrender of our own thrones to our lives to another. However, this process can be daunting, painfully revealing, and tempting to dissociate from.

    While the list of reasons why we all struggle with this to different extents is many, they shall not be the focus of today’s reflection. What is important to note that this disconnect from the True Vine comes at a great cost to the fruits borne forth from our lives and leads to death rather than the power-filled and full life we were to have in and with Him (John 10:10). Paul writes in 2 Timothy 3:1-9 as such.

    “But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people. 6 They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over gullible women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, 7 always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth. 8 Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these teachers oppose the truth. They are men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected. 9 But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone.”

    The reading of Amos as well as Paul’s caution in 2 Timothy definitely applies to us today. Let us ask the Holy Spirit for grace and mercy even as we begin to see the extent of our fallenness and begin to turn to Him afresh. Invite fellow brothers and sisters in Christ to pray and journey with us. God is good and He only intends good for us. Hebrews reminds us that God disciplines and confronts us in love just a father his child (Hebrew 12:6).

    “Jesus looked at him and loved him. ‘One thing you lack’, He said…” (Mark 10:21).

    What is He saying to you today? Let us come back to Him again with all our hearts for He loves us. Let us grasp together with all the saints just how wide, how high, how long and how deep the love of God is for us. And let’s ever be mind-blown by His exceedingly great and unfathomable love.

reading for: 8 Oct

Hebrew 4:12-16

Do we truly believe that He is good?

  • READ

    As with our reading in Mark 10 this week, today’s reading of Hebrews highlights the painfully discerning and revealing nature of our God as well as His loving and empathetic nature.

    How scary and intense it is to stand before our God who sees and discerns all – to have no where to hide. Imagine if your friends, family and spouse can perceive and know your every inner thought, your deepest ugliness, shame, guilt, and inadequacies. Today’s reading is an apt follow-up to yesterday’s reading and reflection.

    Verse 12 states in a rather matter of fact way that God and naturally His Word which comes forth to us as an articulation of what He sees and discerns in us is alive and active. What’s more, God is not someone that we can deceive or hide from, nor is He someone we can fool or smoke. Remember my reflection from yesterday about my struggle with His present presence and Lordship? It is alright if He will come one day as a future hope, or if I know Him to have been an all-seeing God. But that He is alive now and active now in my life can be really frightening. Imagine if we had an enemy bent on destroying us which was like that. What despair there would be.

    Thankfully, verse 14 reminds us that our God is not our enemy. Rather, we actually have a great high priest and mediator, Jesus Christ the Son of God that knows and understands our weakness and who was tempted in every way we are but is yet without sin; who intercedes for us in Heaven and who has paid the price in substitute for us once and for all.

    Make no mistake. The pain of nakedness, intimacy, and loving confrontation is real, but the writer of Hebrews encourages us to look at our great high priest Jesus to find confidence, mercy and grace. For He is truly indeed good! (Mark 10: 18). Therefore, let us come boldly to Him. “Alas, I stand at the door” (Revelations 3:20). How will we respond?

  • REFLECT

    Listen to ‘Love Song (Just to be with you)’ by Third Day. I am reminded of the bridge of the song goes like this.

    “And I know that you don’t understand the fullness of my love. How I died upon the cross for your sins. And I know that you don’t understand how much that I love you but I promise I will do it all again… Just to be with you.”

    God is not surprised by our brokenness and sinfulness. He only longs for us to come to Him as we are so that He can show us how much He loves us.

    7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. – Romans 5:7-8

    Wherever we are personally, my prayer is that we will take encouragement from today’s word and come boldly to Him for He is good and loves us so so much.

reading for: 9 Oct

Psalm 90:12-17

Do we seek Him out as precious in our lives?

  • READ

    Today’s reading of Psalm 90 holds in tension once again the reality of real felt affliction from the Lord (v13, 15) with the reality of God’s unfailing love (v14). The writer of today’s reading encourages us to seek Him out authentically and earnestly just as the rich young ruler did and as the writer of Amos and Hebrews encouraged us to do.

    The writer of Psalm 90 counsels us to do so, that His deeds and splendour will be shown to us (v16), that we may be taught by Him and gain wisdom (v12), that we may be satisfied by Him (v14a), that we will bear fruits that will last (v17 c.f. John 15), and that our joy maybe complete (v14b c.f. John 15).

    Finally, the writer of Psalm 90 counsels us through his prayerful posture that God Himself is where true wealth and riches lie.

  • REFLECT

    “Seeking you as a precious jewel. Lord to give up I’ll be a fool. You are my all in all.”

    Listen to the song “You Are My all in all” by Dennis Jernigan. Wherever you may be personally, make some time today to spend in His presence as you are and to seek Him out.

    Take hold of the faith we profess as followers of Jesus Christ. Take hold of His promises and who He is as revealed to us in His Word and Son Jesus Christ.

    Listen to promptings as well as the loving confrontations of the Holy Spirit. And praise and worship Him out of the abundance of your time spent with Him. Take heart for the God we are approaching is alive, active, exceedingly good, and cares for us! Selah. 

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