Letting God Work
When faced with the possibility of death, the mind begins to think of all the things it doesn’t want to lose. In my case when, I had an enlarged aorta that could burst at any moment, and it would require surgery that could be dangerous. I began to think about losing the years I believed I had left with Elizabeth. I worried I was losing the youth ministry I had barely been able to start. I thought about the master’s degree that had taken me too long and hadn’t finished yet. I began to wonder about the value of my life. I asked myself if I should rush out and start a bucket list to check off the things I had skipped over trying to be a good Christian.
Today’s passage focuses on a wealthy young man who wants to know what it requires to have eternal life (Mark 10:17-31). We don’t know his motivation, but it’s a good question. He knows Jesus has the answer. Jesus challenges the young man in a couple of ways. First, he is pushing the young man to see Him as more than just a Good teacher but God’s son. Second, the requirement for eternal life isn’t in completing tasks or some unique formula. He can find eternal life by following Christ, having the right relationship with the Father, and letting go of everything that hinders that relationship. At its core, it doesn’t require anything from him other than his being. Yet he chooses not to follow because he thinks he knows what is best for him or brings him the most comfort. The thing he absolutely can’t part with is his wealth. It is part of his identity that he is unable to part with to follow Jesus. He feels he needs to keep holding onto it.
Reading on, the disciples even struggle with what Jesus teaches about the kingdom. Jesus’ example of a camel passing through the eye of a needle is impossible by human standards. They wonder if anyone can inherit eternal life. Jesus answers that for man, it is impossible, but all things are possible with God. Many have tried to explain away the impossible nature of Jesus’ example. Sadly, that is us trying to be like the rich man, finding excuses for ourselves. I believe Jesus used this drastic image to push us to rely on God to lead us to him and transform us back into the creation he intended. Jesus closes this passage of scripture by pointing out that the kingdom’s riches are far greater than anything we give up to follow him and that, ultimately, the ranking in the kingdom is about faithfulness and not the accrual of status, power, or wealth.
As I got closer to my surgery date, I had peace. I didn’t create a bucket list. But I did do a lot of other things. I changed the pace of classes so that my master’s degree would take longer. I made preparations for my wife to have power of attorney. I wrote letters to loved ones I hoped they wouldn’t have to read. I even made sure my life insurance was up to date. I ensured the ministry I might leave behind had something to help the next person who took over, avoiding the loss of students we had been ministering to. I did all of these things not out of fear but out of knowing that God had called me to a time and place and that these things would ensure His ministry continued no matter what.
I’m not perfect. I’m not even good. But through my experience, I pressed into who God was at every stage. I knew I would go to be with Jesus or keep following Him here like I am today. When I read this passage and look back on my experience, I know there is more I need to give up to follow Christ. He convicts me of my reliance on wealth, entertainment, family, etc. I continually pray that I learn to surrender those things that lead to a dependence on something other than God. And I know I will because Jesus says God can do that work in me.