Killer Garage Sale...

Mark 10:17-27 – The Rich Young Ruler

We’ve all heard the story of the Rich Young Ruler a million times right? And normally the moral of the story is: if you’re not willing to give up everything to follow Jesus, then you’re not getting into the Kingdom of Heaven. I mean, it sure seems like that is the main point of the story, right. I can accept this difficult truth knowing that God’s kindness is what leads us to repentance (Ro 2:4). That said, since the Bible never tells us what happens to that rich young man, I am holding out hope that eventually he held a killer garage sale and there were some pretty sic looking poor people back in the day. Yes, I’m optimistic that I just might see him in heaven…can you wear Prada in Heaven? Ah…I digress…

Let's journey together through the narrative from a different vantage point. I want us to focus on something that I bet most of us overlook. We miss it because we tend to look at this Scripture with sad faces…with the doom and gloom eyes of….poor guy…he’s going to burn! 

I want us to see two really important things and focus on them for just a moment. Look at verse 21… “Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him.” I really paused and thought; how cool is that? Picture the scene…a very well dressed man kneeling before the Lord asking one of the most important questions a person could possible ask; “how can I obtain eternal life?” It’s obvious he knows he’s missing something. I think Jesus looks intently into his eyes and lets this young ruler see this genuine love inviting him to draw close. Who knows, this rich young ruler possibly came expecting Jesus to pat him on the back and say, "well done, that’s it!" However, we do know this, Jesus’ look of love comes BEFORE this young ruler has the opportunity to respond correctly to Jesus. Did you catch that…Jesus doesn’t look at him with genuine love AFTER he gives Him the right answer to the all-important question. This young man was still in the middle of questioning and searching! Jesus loves him in the middle of the search, and He doesn’t stop loving him when he walks away…when he doesn’t make the best decision. Wow…can you see that? Jesus’ love is solid and unmovable!

Why is it so important that we really understand this kind of unmovable and solid love? Jesus made it pretty clear that doing the right thing (making the right choice) isn’t possible for man, but it is possible for God (vs. 27). God knows we can’t live this life on our own. He knows we need Him. So, if God created us to need Him, and making good decisions apart from Him is impossible, then why would He stop loving us when we walk away…when we don’t make the right choice? We are totally dependant on His love! Seriously, this young ruler made a real “dude…no way!” choice. He looked like he was saying “no thanks” to the offer of a pretty sweet life with Jesus. For us it is no different. We walk away from the sweet life all the time, don’t we? And I know for me, I need to see those genuine eyes of love looking at me while I search, when I walk away, when I’m struggling or when doing the right thing isn’t even on my list of options for the moment. I’m thankful he didn’t shame the rich young ruler or make him feel like donkey dung…even though He knew he would walk away. He looked at him with genuine love…let that soak in…genuine love!

So today, I’m reminding us to focus on His love. He loves you no matter what. He loves you while you search, through your bad choices, when you turn your back, when you question, or when you feel like giving up. He knows that life without Him is impossible. He knows that making wise choices without His power is impossible. So, bask in His love for you today…and let Him fill you up to overflowing. He loves you…and He will live the impossible life through you every day!

Remember, you are His masterpiece…and nothing you do will ever change that! (Eph 2:10)

Giving Gifts That Liberate - A New Perspective on Christmas...

Hearing a story of injustice from a far away place can lead to reactions of awe, astonishment and curiosity. Yet, when this wonderment does not carry over into action, we have neglected to comprehend the reason why God implanted those emotions deep within us.

Tears and anger are gifts from God…gifts to be shared through advocacy.

On Saturday morning, October 24, I attended a Global Trade Event that Fuller hosted at Jameson Brown Coffee Roasters. I was excited about taking a study break that included hearing music, drinking coffee, mingling with other students, and looking at what I thought were simply a few Fair Trade items. When I arrived at the coffee shop the atmosphere was serene and inviting. I stood with some friends and listened to a friend play his guitar and sing. After soaking in the music I decided to go outside and wander through the tables. What I encountered was completely unexpected.

I can only explain it as raw emotion….the pictures, the stories, the knowledgeable and caring students behind each table. Photographs could not have adequately captured the scene. One table after the other described a story…a story of injustice perpetrated on “the least of these”…the poor, uneducated women and children living in the 3rd world. As I looked at the jewelry, scarves, purses, and t-shirts for sale, they were no longer “items” to purchase, but “people” to liberate. With tears streaming down my face, I pulled out my wallet and began the investment in the one’s that Jesus longs for our hearts to remember (Matt 25:31-46).

As I purchased each item, a beautiful thought crossed my mind; although I may never get to meet these women and children, when I see them in the Kingdom, I will remember that I played a part in their story. I had the privilege of helping them stay off the streets by supporting their cottage industry. To choose action meant that I became part of the solution, providing them the opportunity to live in a safe place and make items to support themselves.

So often it feels overwhelming when we hear stories of injustice. We quickly seek to bring homeostasis to our emotions by walking away and trying to forget. We know that the task of helping seems too large to do alone. So for me, simply purchasing some of these beautiful hand made items allowed me to turn my anger at injustice and tears of anguish, into something beautiful and productive…the liberation and freedom of a soul in captivity.

The Christmas season is an optimal time to reflect on how, without Christ, we would all be souls held in captivity. My heart overflows with thankfulness because He willingly purchased my freedom. I know like me, that if you think about what you need this Christmas, your list will not include: a place to live, basic food, or the assurance of safety and respect. Simply buying from organizations that minister to the oppressed ensures that women and children around the world receive these basic gifts. Please use your resources and join me in being an advocate for the “least of these”. Imagine the joy in Heaven when Christmas day is filled with packages unwrapping justice for the glory of God.

Proverbs 31:8-9

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.

Consider purchasing items from one of these ministries or give yourself the gift of Compassion.

nightlightinternational.com

stopthetraffik.org

timbalicrafts.org

corridorofhope.org
discoverthejourney.org
amaniafrica.org

Compassion International…

There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children – Nelson Mandela

Consider sponsoring a child as your gift to your family this year or give a one-time gift toward an unsponsored child, or the leadership project or AIDS ministry.