Jesus was a master jokester in my book. He was in His book, too. Let me explain…
We’re working our way through the book of Matthew in our church, Yeah, there are still churches that teach from the Bible. Especially the one where Chuck Swindoll is the senior pastor.
We just covered the end of chapter 19 this week. The story of the rich young ruler was covered last week.
I know…I know, it’s all the same chapter, but when you need to make too many points for your listeners you break it down into more bite-sized pieces…especially when Chuck Swindoll is the senior pastor.
For a refresher for those of you who haven’t read that section of scripture in a while…or a fresher for those of you who ain’t never read it, yet.
That rich young punk ruler kid comes to Jesus and asks Him what he must DO to get into heaven.
Jesus lists off some of the the commandments.
The kids checks them off as Jesus lists them. “Okay, got it! I’m good to go then.”
Jesus knew this guy wasn’t being totally truthful when he said he ain’t never lied…especially when he just said he never lied just now.
Then Jesus turns this kid’s world upside-down by telling him he has to sell off all of his do dads in order to see His Dad.
The guy was watching his toes as he walked away.
If Jesus wasn’t making such a serious point His next statement would have been hilarious.
Yeah, the camel going through the eye of a needle hyperbole. Remember, with God all things are possible. Even large animals squeezing through a tiny space.
It’s not that rich folks can’t get into heaven. The point is that it’s more difficult for them cuz they trust their own success too much to trust that they need to trust anybody else for nuthin’.
Trust me…there’s a point there somewhere.
Jesus later explained that the road into heaven is on the straight and narrow way. Apparently it’s so narrow we all have to squeeze through the eye of a needle.
Don’t worry…with God all things are possible. Don’t keep forgetting that one point and your life will make much more sense.
Apparently Jesus fit through the keyhole of a locked door to see the disciples after His resurrection so just chill. God has this covered. Trust Him!
Since a hyperbole is an exaggeration to make a point, not to be taken literally, don’t sweat too many details here.
Like I said, God’s got this. He has all your other problems under control, too…even those imaginary ones.
Yep…I’m back to that trust thing again.
Worry is you taking control of things you don’t need to have in the first place.
Trust is you giving God control of everything in your life…and the things in other folks’ lives, too, while we’re at it.
That rich young punk kid thought he had everything under his control, too.
Just remember, you don’t call the shots. God does.
Don’t keep forgetting that one point and your life will be better in the long run…all the way to eternity.
Keep smiling. Wade
