Scripture: Numbers 35-36; Mark 10:1-31 (3/9/2010)
"And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and
kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may
inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me
good? there is none good but one, that is, God. Thou knowest the
commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do
not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.
And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed
from my youth. Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him,
One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and
give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come,
take up the cross, and follow me. And he was sad at that saying, and
went away grieved: for he had great possessions." Mark 10:17-22
This passage of scripture tells of a man who was at a critical turning point in his life. According to his own words, he had observed the law (a.k.a. rules) from his youth. He then sought out Jesus, and Jesus personally asked the man to become one of His followers. When faced with this decision, the man rejected Jesus, instead choosing his many possessions over Christ.
This man's sad choice shows us that following the rules and following God are not the same thing. This man must have had good character to keep God's commandments, but lacked the faith to follow God with his whole heart.
Rules are good, especially if they are the rules of your parents, church, school, or local law enforcement agency. You should do everything you can to abide by the rules. But following rules will only take you so far. When you follow Jesus with all your heart, following the rules will be a result of your walk with God. Pray and ask God to help you to follow Him!
~ Br. Rob Macioce
