The rich young ruler we’ve come to know from Mark 10 was exposed to a “new” truth. Mark 10:17-31.
Initially, the “new” truth was too hard for this young man. He turned away and went home sad. (We don’t know if he stayed in that place, but this was his initial reaction.) There are two things we learn about God’s workmanship as we come face-to-face with “new” truths:
- “Jesus looked at him and loved him.” Love was Jesus’ aim. (vs. 21)
- The man was honest with himself and with Jesus. No masks. No going through the motions with a heart that was not in line.. (vs. 22)
When I am faced with a “new” truth in Scripture, will I see the love that surrounds it? Am I willing to do an honest assessment of my heart? My beliefs? My actions?
Since we live in a Covenant-based relationship with God, we can be assured of God’s presence every step of the way. Since God wants his best for us …
- We can be assured God will challenge our preconceived ideas of his truth. (vs. 23-25)
- We need to be aware of the fact that what lies before us is indeed impossible by all earthly assessment. (vs. 26)
- We can be assured that God specializes in impossibilities. (vs. 27)
- We need to be aware of the great reward (hundred-fold) and the great cost (persecutions) a “new” truth fully embraced will bring to us. (vs. 29-30)
As the new year unfolds and we come face-to-face with “new” truths about rest, how will we be shaped by them?
Will we see the light and alter our ways?
Or will we wait to feel the heat? The burn and sizzle of overload and exhaustion?
New Year. “New” truths.
Same, great God, bent on love and Life.
Do you have any nitty-gritty questions on how to make the rhythms of rest a reality in 2014? As a college student? While fighting depression? On the road? Single parenting? Caring for an aging relative? On the fast-track to success?
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