Grace for the Rich
Matthew 19:24
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.
Jesus made this comment to His disciples just after the rich young ruler came to Jesus asking what he should do to inherit eternal life. While the young man had done many good things, his life was not perfect. His selfish heart was revealed when it saddened him to think he had to give up the comfortability of his riches to give to those less fortunate. This ounce of selfishness prevented him from receiving eternal life by his own merit.
While it is certainly not a sin to be rich, a rich person has trouble receiving grace. When all of your needs are met, you are blind to your own corrupt nature. Our lack helps us understand where we are deficient and to seek grace in overcoming our downfalls. If we see riches as blessings from God that our lives are in order, our own pride will mistakenly lead us to think we have earned favor with God. We will fail to recognize our sin or our need for mercy and forgiveness.
We can never be worthy enough to receive eternal life. God does not bless us just because we are good. Any blessing we receive is a gift of grace, and we should realize that His grace is the only way we can receive eternal life. Regardless of how rich we are, we are still in need of mercy and forgiveness from a perfect God. The rich man’s need is the same as the poor man’s need, and those needs can be filled only one way – by the grace of God through Jesus Christ.
Take time today to thank God for the many blessings He has given you through His grace. Consider the selfishness of your own heart, and understand that it is by God’s grace alone that you may inherit eternal life. Share the grace God has lavished upon you with others, and make your life a little richer by giving of yourself to someone who needs to see Jesus in you. Be thankful for any lack you may have, knowing that it is simply a reminder that God’s grace is bigger than your need.
Have a blessed day!