Words of Grace

By Rev. Mahlon Nevel

The rich young ruler came to Jesus running. He kneeled down before him and asked, “Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” (Mark 10:17)

He wanted to know what he could to do to get to heaven. When Jesus told him what was lacking he went away grieved because he had great possessions.

After the rich man had left, Jesus pointed out how hard it is for those who have riches to enter God’s Kingdom. Then he clarified this by saying that it was not just having riches but trusting in riches. (v. 24)

The apostle Paul warned those who are rich not to trust in their riches. He called them “uncertain riches.” The rich man is never sure of having enough riches. He is never sure if his riches are safe.

Don’t “trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy” (I Timothy 6:17).
It was God who did not spare his own son but gave him up for us all. How shall God not freely give us all things because of his son? Paul asks in Romans 8:32.

A man found out that he had won the lottery. At the thought of how much money he would receive, he exclaimed, “I’m set for life!”

Yes, for this life, but what about the next life?