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The Pilgrim Path (11-5-2020)

The Pilgrim Path---Mark 10: 23—31

And Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” And the disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said to them again, “Children, how difficult it is to enter the kingdom of God! 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.” And they were exceedingly astonished, and said to him, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.” Peter began to say to him, “See, we have left everything and followed you.” Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, who will not receive a hundred-fold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”

“…we have left everything”

The disciples had the up close and personal view of Jesus’ encounter with the Rich Young Ruler. Then---the wealthy young man “left” the LORD. Really the teaching moment. Thus, Jesus’ word: wealth costs some people their soul---poor choice! The disciples respond: astonishment---for many of us yet struggle with lust over money and things. Peter cannot contain himself, “who will ever make it to Heaven?” Well, the LORD Jesus changes us---and He does carry us all the way to glory. He picks us up from our falls and enables us to add fabric to our faith so that we learn to lay up treasure in Heaven and not simply stack up riches on earth. Sanctification is a life-long process and repentance is a matter of the whole life of the Believer. These were concerns---that were of NO concern to the Rich Young Ruler.

Please contemplate Peter’s “record keeping” for a while. He was afraid that following the Christ of God was exacting too great a price---maybe it would not “pay off.” The LORD Jesus simply said something to the effect that to be drawn to Him---is to become part of a “family” that is beyond your way of thinking. Suddenly, you have kindred everywhere. Plus, potential lodgings and assistance, when necessity might demand it---as a member of the Body of Christ. The LORD Jesus is telling Peter, “Do not worry Dear Soul---I will not cheat you. I will care for you. You will even know persecution. Do not worry. Eternal Life---eternal rewards await.” Then, one of the most incredible promises from Jesus in the New Testament, “many who are first will be last, and the last first.” You may LIVE on that. You may die on that. You may live again on the sweet and sure promises of The Master Jesus.

An awful warning: It would be terrible to be thought one of the “first” in the World---but never be reconciled to the Holy God of Heaven by His precious Son Jesus the Savior. Look to Jesus and Live----in brokenness and humility---say, “My LORD and My God---wash me clean by your blood. I give you my life. I turn from my way---to yours. Thank you, Glorious Redeemer.”

From J. C. Ryle: To all who make sacrifices on account of the Gospel, Jesus promises “a hundred-fold now in this time.” They shall have not only pardon and glory in the world to come. They shall have even here upon earth, hopes, and joys, and sensible comforts sufficient to make up for all that they lose. They shall find in the communion of saints, new friends, new relations, new companions, more loving, faithful, and valuable than any they had before their conversion. Their introduction into the family of God shall be an abundant recompense for exclusion from the society of this world. This may sound startling and incredible to many ears. But thousands have found by experience that it is true. To all who make sacrifices on account of the Gospel, Jesus promises “eternal life in the world to come.” As soon as they put off their earthly tabernacle, they shall enter upon a glorious existence, and in the morning of the resurrection shall receive such honor and joy as pass man’s understanding. Their light afflictions for a few years shall end in an everlasting reward. Their fights and sorrows while in the body, shall be exchanged for perfect rest and a conqueror’s crown. They shall dwell in a world where there is no death, no sun, no devil, no cares, no weeping, no parting, for former things have passed away…

“But many who are first will be last, AND THE LAST FIRST.”

“The world is a lost world. But the world is a divinity-visited world.” John Duncan

“Christians need to learn to press people to face the logical conclusion of their own beliefs.” Chuck Colson

HYMN

Our hope and expectation, O Jesus, now appear;

Arise, thou sun so longed for, over this benighted sphere.

With hearts and hands uplifted, we plead, O LORD, to see

The day of earth’s redemption that brings us unto thee.

Laurentius Laurenti, 1700

Grace and Peace in Jesus, The Only Redeemer of broken and wretched souls, Pastor Jason