And Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” [Matthew 19:23-26 ESV]
I had to laugh when I read this and was reminded of the context of this verse.
"All things are possible" was about a rich person entering the kingdom of God.
Many of us hear the phrase and our minds imagine great miracles an such.
Yet the sobering context of Jesus' assertion was a wealthy man.
A man who had many possessions and walked away from Christ.
One who chose his wealth over the kingdom of God.
Using hyperbolic language Jesus explains how hard it is for rich people.
The invitation to eternal life is so simple yet can be so costly.
The call of the kingdom can sometimes involve costly sacrifices.
Even so, I love the hope that Jesus indicates for even the most hardened amongst us.
That the one we never thought would kneel in prayer may one day respond to God's invitation.
To this end I pray believing that with God all things are possible.
Lord, I lift my family and friends to you. Draw them to you and cause them to kneel.
... this devotion is part of the Red Letters series. Click here to read more.
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