WATCHWORD:
26 And now in these days also he can receive sinners in this same way because Jesus took away their sins. But isn’t this unfair for God to let criminals go free, and say that they are innocent? No, for he does it on the basis of their trust in Jesus who took away their sins. 27 Then what can we boast about doing to earn our salvation? Nothing at all. Why? Because our acquittal is not based on our good deeds; it is based on what Christ has done and our faith in him. 28 So it is that we are saved by faith in Christ and not by the works we do. Romans 3:26-28
17 As Jesus was starting out on his way to Jerusalem, a man came running up to him, knelt down, and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked. “Only God is truly good. 19 But to answer your question, you know the commandments: ‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. You must not cheat anyone. Honor your father and mother.’” 20 “Teacher,” the man replied, “I’ve obeyed all these commandments since I was young.” 21 Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him. “There is still one thing you haven’t done,” he told him. “Let go of your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 22 At this the man’s face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions. Mark 10:17-22
Meditation:
Re Formation
Tuesday, October 31, was the 506th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. We associate the reformation with Martin Luther’s rebellion against the rigidness of the Catholic Church, as reflected in his ’95 Theses’ posted in 1517. But there were any number of Reformers in that era, names we recognize: Turin, Waldo, Calvin, Tyndale, Knox, Cromwell, and many more.
For the most part, each one, in their own way, was trying to shed light on the ‘Holy Writ’, the sacredness of God’s Word, that was being overshadowed by man-made religious dogma. What Luther was rebelling against were the man-made laws of a state religion, while ignoring Paul’s words that we are saved by faith in Christ and not by works.
Let’s be clear, our lives, our character, our behaviors are shaped by what we believe, and what we believe in. Our faith is born in God’s love, and His promises, not by the rules that man has made, in the name of a fabricated religion. When we accept Christ, we are ‘re-formed’ into God’s love, we are changed, into a new creature in Christ.
Think of the change the fire-brand Pharisee, Paul went through there on the road to Damascus. Think of the multitudes that followed Jesus when he walked this earth, they were touched by Him, to the point of following, mile after mile, just to listen to Him. We know about the feeding of the 4000 and the 5000, and we may wonder at those gatherings. But those were not isolated happenings during the last two years of Jesus’ ministry. Crowds so large it struck fear into the hearts of the Jewish hierarchy.
Change. Sometimes change sneaks up on us until we become aware that something is happening in our lives. Sometimes things enter into our awareness after the fact, after we have been exposed. Mark’s telling of the exchange between Jesus and the rich young man, seems to be an unfinished story. When Jesus touches lives, they are changed. The young man may have walked away sad, for a time, but the indelible meeting between the Creator and the created can only have one ending, change. Maybe it took a week, maybe it took a year, but at some point that man followed Jesus.
Look at our own lives. If we have accepted Christ as Lord and Savior, our lives, indeed, have changed. My friends, if you do not see change, look more closely, with eyes of faith. To love God and love of our neighbors can be subtle, can appear as a natural frame of mind and heart. May the Lord bless you and keep you, and may His face shine upon you and gladden your heart. May your walk with Jesus be glorious. Amen.
Prayer for the Day:
Heavenly Father, You determine the times and the seasons; I am Your creation. Grant me a discerning heart so I can recognize the opportunities and responsibilities of this time. Forgive me for any grumbling and complaining. Renew my strength and refresh my spirit. You are my Deliverer, my Redeemer, my Provider, and my King. I rejoice in Your great provision for my life. Holy Spirit, awaken me to walk in the fullness of God’s purposes for my life, and help my heart to be steadfast! Empower me to proclaim the good news to our generation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
