Uncomfortable Obedience - Day 64 Month 3-5 Week 10-1

Today's Reading (Bible in 1 year)


Leviticus 1,2 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Leviticus%201%2C2&version=NASB1995

Psalm 53 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2053&version=NASB1995

Isaiah 46 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2046&version=NASB1995

Mark 10:13-45 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%2010%3A13-45&version=NASB1995


Uncomfortable Obedience


1. How can a camel fit through the eye of a needle?  I remember some tv commercials from when I was a kid.  One of those commercials was “How do they get the caramel into the Caramilk bar?”  It was a little silly but it worked as a commercial.  I mean, 55 years later, I remember it.  I assure you, it’s a lot easier to accomplish the caramel task than to get a camel to fit through the eye of a needle.  The caramel challenge is possible whereas the camel challenge is impossible.  Certainly it’s impossible unless there is a different option.


In our Mark reading today, Jesus said, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”  Then he explained a different option.  He said “With people it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God.”


The rich man in Mark 10 is grieved because he wants to be part of the Kingdom as long as he can keep his wealth.  God’s asking us to be prepared to give up everything and the rich man’s prepared to give up everything  - but his wealth.


Sylvia and I have had to sell homes several times.  When we buy a home, we put our hearts, not just our skills into the home because we intend to be there long term.  Well, this is house 7 in 25 years.  What we learn more and more each time is to hold on to things loosely.  That’s what God wants.  Hold on to things loosely!  He may want you to hold on to some things long term, but as long as we are willing to part with everything, God can use us.  Sylvia has learned this better than myself, but I’m improving.


Sylvia and I try to keep a few dollars in cash on us at all times (Don’t start planning the holdup, prison’s not worth it for $20).  We try to keep some cash for the purpose of paying for things at markets or simply at places that don’t give us the ability to pay electronically.  Once in a while, we’ll be travelling somewhere and someone will come up to us begging for some money.  Sylvia, without hesitation, will immediately reach into her purse and give some of the cash we have with us.  At first, I was concerned that sometimes these people who ask are actually profiting or using it for bad things and it is just an act.   Well, you can think that, and occasionally it’s right, but it may not be.  It’s not being gullible, it’s honouring what Jesus asks; to clothe the naked and feed the hungry.  Matthew 5:42 also quotes Jesus saying”Give to everyone who asks you without demanding repayment…..then your reward will be great…” If they are misusing the gift for any reason, they will someday stand before God and account for it just as the rest of us will.  I’m not sure I’d want to be that person.


2. I have met people who, when they find out I’m a Jesus follower, will say that it’s ok.  “If you need something like that in your life, go right ahead.  I’m fine.  I don’t need it.”  In our reading in Psalms today, the Psalmist says, “The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.””  A bit farther along he says, “God has looked down from heaven upon the sons of men to see if there is anyone who understands, who seeks after God.  Everyone of them has turned aside… There is no one who does good, not even one.  


The Psalm paints a picture of a bad world.  In today’s world we see many wars and threats of war.  We see all sorts of over-reach in law enforcement in some areas.  We see the poor, the immigrant and  the disabled being even more marginalized.  We are seeing more powerful countries taking over less powerful countries.   Yet, we are called to love God and love our neighbour.  Who is our neighbour? Everyone. We can’t take personal interest in everyone, but you and I can take a personal interest in our neighbours.


My challenge today is to show love to someone today. Try showing love to someone you don’t already have a relationship with.  Love can be shown through a kind deed or maybe pay it forward when you are in a coffee lineup.  Show someone you care.  This is a challenge to me too because as friendly as I may be, I prefer to be comfortable and this is uncomfortable.  Take a further step and let people know they are being blessed in the name of Jesus. ( Now, I’m really uncomfortable.)  But, wouldn’t it be great if a person realized that there really is a God who loves them, simply because you showed them a token of your love and care? 


Have a great day!

Steve


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