It's time to carry our cross

 

Matthew 16:24-25

King James Version

24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.

1 Chronicles13 

And David consulted with the captains of thousands and hundreds, and with every leader.

2 And David said unto all the congregation of Israel, If it seem good unto you, and that it be of the Lord our God, let us send abroad unto our brethren every where, that are left in all the land of Israel, and with them also to the priests and Levites which are in their cities and suburbs, that they may gather themselves unto us:

3 And let us bring again the ark of our God to us: for we enquired not at it in the days of Saul.

4 And all the congregation said that they would do so: for the thing was right in the eyes of all the people.

5 So David gathered all Israel together, from Shihor of Egypt even unto the entering of Hemath, to bring the ark of God from Kirjathjearim.

6 And David went up, and all Israel, to Baalah, that is, to Kirjathjearim, which belonged to Judah, to bring up thence the ark of God the Lord, that dwelleth between the cherubims, whose name is called on it.

7 And they carried the ark of God in a new cart out of the house of Abinadab: and Uzza and Ahio drave the cart.

8 And David and all Israel played before God with all their might, and with singing, and with harps, and with psalteries, and with timbrels, and with cymbals, and with trumpets.

9 And when they came unto the threshingfloor of Chidon, Uzza put forth his hand to hold the ark; for the oxen stumbled.

10 And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzza, and he smote him, because he put his hand to the ark: and there he died before God.

David had just become king over the whole land of Israel. His enemies were defeated and dispersed. The people had spoken. It was time for a celebration, right?

But as good as things seemed to have been, something was missing. He thought about it. He must've prayed about it (after all, he was a "man after God's own heart). What was wrong? 

It hit him. 

The Ark of the Covenant wasn't in the capital. It wasn't even in a holy place. It was in the home of Abinadab. (Are our homes holy enough for the Ark of God to dwell there without us being cursed?) Throughout Israel's history, the Ark had been a powerful presence. It was the center of the power of God. It was the seat of God's authority. It led Israel's armies into battle. It was the focus of their religion, which was the core of their national identity. 

Now that David was king, the ark needed to be put back into its proper place in society. 

So, he gathers the leaders and the people together and says, "Let's go get the ark! We'll sing and dance and party our way all the back to Jerusalem!" (My paraphrase)

Problem number one: Apparently, "all Israel" didn't include the priests and Levites who were tasked by God to lead the worship of God. 

So all the singing and playing that was going on was not being led by the godly leadership (or leadership order) that God had established. This was strike one. 

Problem number two: Rather than the priests and Levites carrying the ark as was prescribed by God, they placed it on a new cart for the journey. Sounds reasonable right? No heavy weight to bear. No straining. No stopping to rest. Let the cart and the ox team do the work. 

And why not? 

After all, the Philistines, in sending the ark back, had used a new cart and God hadn't struck them dead for it. In fact, God had stopped a cancer plague in Philistia because they had sent it back. Apparently, God had no problem with the method they used, right?

God didn't see it quite that way. 

Don't get confused by God's healing folks in churches that don't preach the whole truth. Don't be sidetracked by God drawing folks into repentance- even though they don't have the Holy Ghost yet, and know nothing of holiness. Folks who wear ungodly clothes and teach false doctrines. 

First of all, God moves on whosoever will. He tries very hard to bring people to repentance. He will heal folks who are not right with him (contrary to the opinions of some folks) in order to try and get them right with him. 

My first experience of repentance with God happened when I was FIVE YEARS OLD. Did that mean I was born again? NO! But, I had taken a necessary step in my journey toward God. I was not born again, but I had entered the womb. 

But not everyone who repents gets born again. In fact, if we study the parable of the sewer, at the absolute most (and Jesus doesn't give percentages here. He just tells us of four groups of people. Some of the groups could have been larger than others.) if we assume equal numbers in the groups, only 25% of all mankind will make heaven. Many will make the start of repentance and never complete the course. Many will never even repent. Many will get born again, but the roots won't go deep and they won't make it. Only a few (and Jesus says "few there be that FIND IT- you have to be looking for it to find it. If you have to be hungry to be fed. You must bull-headedly continue on the path to complete the journey. And the path can get hard, rocky, very narrow, unpaved, uncomfortable, and require a lot of effort to stay on!

Not everyone who gets a healing or a blessing will end up even being born again. How many folks did Jesus bless and heal in his earthly ministry? MULTITUDES! And how many people were there praying for the spirit to fall in the upper room? 120!

The Philistines weren't God's people. They were wrong to have the ark in the first place. God had cursed them because they had the ark. And the cart was an experiment for them. They basically said, "If, as we think. this plague is from Israel's God, the oxen will carry the ark on the cart back to Israel of their own volition. Israel's God will guide them home without our help. If however, they carry it somewhere else, then our plague is not from Jehovah, but just merely a chance occurrence." So they followed it back to Israel, understood it was God, and left for home in a hurry. 

However, just because God allows an unbeliever to get away with something, doesn't mean he won't punish his kids for not following his clearly stated instructions. Listen. It doesn't matter how we "feel" about something. It doesn't matter if we haven't felt "convicted" of something. If the word of God says it's wrong, it's wrong. If the word of God says it's right, it's right. 

So, just when the Oxen slipped and the Ark shook, in a seemingly kind gesture, a man named Uzza put his hand on it to steady it. Innocent gesture. Even, in most people's minds- including David's, it was a respectful gesture. He was attempting to keep the ark from falling after all. But, only a priest or Levite was supposed to touch the Ark in transport. And God killed him for it. 

Party's over now! 

They were looking for a move of God, but this wasn't what they had been looking for. 

Question: How many times has God moved in negative- even deadly- ways and the action brings revival? But, that was the Old Testament, brother. God doesn't work that way anymore.

Really? 

Remember the couple that lied to the Holy Ghost in the Book of Acts and were struck dead? Remember the Israeli King that accepted the praise of men as if he were a god and God struck him with a disease and he died? 

Both of those were New Testament events and BOTH of them brought the fear of God on the people which led to revival! 

So David is shocked and angry and scared. So, he leaves the ark, everyone flees the area in case God's not done killing yet, and the Ark winds up in the home of a Levite named Obededom. 

But something begins happening after all. God is blessing... Obededom. 

Why was Obededom blessed and Abinadab wasn't? After all, Abinadab means "Father of generosity" and Obededom means "worker of Edom." Edom was a branch of Abraham through Jacob's twin brother Esau. How did Obededom get blessed? Abinadab was right with God or his house would've been just as cursed as the Philistines for having the Ark. But, he wasn't blessed. 

Two answers: 1) One of the root words for Obededom is Adam and it means "to show blood, flush, or turn rosy." In other words, Obededom found his foundation in the blood! He wasn't just religious, he sought God! He knew his fleshly weaknesses and sins and knew he needed God! And when David brought the ark to Jerusalem finally, Obededom didn't just wave goodbye. HE MOVED WITH IT! 

We don't need to just have God's law in our hearts and homes. We need to follow the leading of the God of the Ark. When he moves, we move. When he stops, we stop. If we want the blessings of God in our lives, we need to follow where he leads. 

2 Samuel 6:11-12

King James Version

11 And the ark of the Lord continued in the house of Obededom the Gittite three months: and the Lord blessed Obededom, and all his household.

12 And it was told King David, saying, The Lord hath blessed the house of Obededom, and all that pertaineth unto him, because of the ark of God. So David brought up the ark of God from the house of Obededom into the city of David with gladness.

So when David heard of God blessing Obededom, he decided that they really needed to bring the ark back to Jerusalem. But, this time he did some praying and studying and found out that the Ark should have been carried by the priests and Levites. The singing should be led by the Levites, and there should be sacrifices to God involved.

1 Chronicles 15:

2 Then David said, None ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites: for them hath the Lord chosen to carry the ark of God, and to minister unto him for ever.

3 And David gathered all Israel together to Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the Lord unto his place, which he had prepared for it.

4 And David assembled the children of Aaron, and the Levites:

12 And said unto them, Ye are the chief of the fathers of the Levites: sanctify yourselves, both ye and your brethren, that ye may bring up the ark of the Lord God of Israel unto the place that I have prepared for it.

13 For because ye did it not at the first, the Lord our God made a breach upon us, for that we sought him not after the due order.

14 So the priests and the Levites sanctified themselves to bring up the ark of the Lord God of Israel.

15 And the children of the Levites bare the ark of God upon their shoulders with the staves thereon, as Moses commanded according to the word of the Lord.

16 And David spake to the chief of the Levites to appoint their brethren to be the singers with instruments of musick, psalteries and harps and cymbals, sounding, by lifting up the voice with joy.

25 So David, and the elders of Israel, and the captains over thousands, went to bring up the ark of the covenant of the Lord out of the house of Obededom with joy.

26 And it came to pass, when God helped the Levites that bare the ark of the covenant of the Lord, that they offered seven bullocks and seven rams.

27 And David was clothed with a robe of fine linen, and all the Levites that bare the ark, and the singers, and Chenaniah the master of the song with the singers: David also had upon him an ephod of linen.

28 Thus all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the Lord with shouting, and with sound of the cornet, and with trumpets, and with cymbals, making a noise with psalteries and harps.

One of my mentors, Prophet Gordon Winslow Sr, said on several occasions that it was written in the literature of Israel that when the priests and Levites lifted up the ark, usually four carried it (it weighed over five hundred pounds) and they could sometimes carry it for miles- that God would pick it up with them and enable them to do it. 

It sounded right, but he didn't give "thus sayeth the Lord" to back it up. When I saw the phrase here in verse 26, "when God helped the Levites that bare the Ark of the covenant of the Lord," it was as if the Lord says, "There's your proof text." 

God helped them carry the load. And God will help us to carry our load!

There are two crosses involved in Christianity. There are two crosses involved with our salvation. 

We love to talk about the cross of Jesus. The cross of Jesus means blood shed for our sins. The cross of Jesus means God making a way for us when there is no way! It means victory, healing, right relationship with God! 

But, we don't like to talk about the second cross. Yes, there is a burden for us to bear. There is flesh we need to crucify. There are sins we need to kill. There are sacrifices we have to make for others. There is denying ourselves what we want to give God and others what they need. There is bearing each other's burdens (both in prayer and in physical needs). And so on.

Jesus tells us to take up our cross! It's difficult. It's painful. And in our flesh, it's impossible.

Yet, Jesus also says that we are to take HIS YOKE upon us and he will give us rest. 

A yoke bound 2 oxen or mules together so that they shared the load together of whatever they were pulling. Whether that was a cart full of heavy things, or it was pulling the plows through the rocky ground to prepare it for planting. They shared the load together.

When Jesus invites (truly commands) us to take his yoke, he's not saying we have to bear our cross alone, When we try that, we fail. But, when we take his yoke, he's saying, "I know you can't do it by yourself. I know the load is too great for you to bear. But, you're not alone! I will team up with you and I will supply your lack. You give it all you've got and I'll give it all I have. And together, we'll get the job done."

If you're not biblically born again, listen to the scriptural way to do so: 

Acts 2:37-38

King James Version

37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Some preach just repentance. This is only part of the new birth.

Some preach repentance and the infilling of the Holy Ghost. This is only part of the new birth. 

To be biblically born again, we must repent of our sins, be baptized in Jesus' name for the forgiveness of those sins, and receive the baptism of the Holy Ghost to empower us to both live for him and be a witness for him. 

If you are born again, don't rely on rules and regulations. Don't think that if we look the part and act the part, we are the part. 

Being born again is not the end all be all. It is the beginning. Jesus says when we are born again, he gives us the "power to become the sons of God." And Paul says that those who are "led by the spirit are the sons of God." 

So work on, as Peter said, "grow(ing) in grace and the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." Pray, study, and follow him. Let him use you as he sees fit. It may seem like an unbearable load to you, but he will help you carry the load. 

 

So you've accepted the Lord as your personal savior, but what must you do for him to accept you?

Jude tells us to "earnestly contend for the faith that was once given to the saints." (Jude 1:3) But, what does he mean?

We love to sing the old hymns that talk about, "give me that old-time religion." Most of us like to think of that as back when our parents or grandparents were in church, or what they taught 50-100 years ago. But, Jude wasn't talking about that. The book of Jude was written close to 2 thousand years ago! He knew nothing of our modern religious practices. But, there was one thing he did know.

Jude and James were Jesus' half brothers. You can find them listed in Matthew 13:55 as being part of his human family (Jude is listed as Judas here). They didn't believe in Jesus's ministry at first. In fact, they taunted him because they thought he was just another self-serving and self-proclaiming Messiah trying to deceive the masses (John 7:3-6). But, somewhere along the way, both he and James became disciples and later Apostles of Jesus. If I had a seemingly (from a human standpoint) perfect brother who suddenly started doing miracles, I'd be skeptical at first, too. But, after a bit, I'd probably start believing. 

But, I digress a bit. 

Since Jude was there at the beginnings of the church, saw Jesus first hand (miracles, signs, wonders, and teachings, and the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord), and he was there at the birth of the church (in the upper room on the day of Pentecost, heard and participated in the teachings and preachings of the early church), to what was he referring to when he said: "the faith once delivered unto the saints?"

Many today are taught that all we have to do is "accept the Lord as (our) personal savior."

Spoiler alert!!! That phrase is not in the scriptures!

Many point to Romans 10:9 and John 3:16 as "the plan of salvation" that was taught by the early church, as well as by Jesus. 

Well, lets research that teaching a bit by looking into what scripture actually says:

John 3: "There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:

2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?

5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:

15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved."

They swoop into the middle of John 3, hit verses 15-17, and swoop out again. They might hit verses 1-3, but they rarely hit verse 5. 

Yes, Jesus says we must believe in order to be saved, but there are folks in chapter 2:23-25 that believed in him in the same way (it's the same Greek word for "believe" there as we find in John 3:16), yet Jesus didn't commit himself to them. 

They accepted him, we assume, but he didn't accept them! 

Verse 5 explains how to be born again by saying, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."

So, evidently, it's not just a matter of belief. It's a matter of also being born of water and born of the spirit. So, how do we do that? 

Well, let's look at how the early church obeyed what Jesus said to do.

On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Ghost was poured out in an upper room filled with 120 people. They began to speak in tongues and worship God. This prayer meeting poured out into the street and caused people to marvel at what was happening. Some were in awe and some mocked. But, their mockery caused the first sermon in church history. (Acts 1:12-15, Acts 2)

The Apostle Peter stood up and began to preach the gospel (death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus) to the gathering crowd. He tells them that God had indeed sent their long-awaited Savior and they had crucified him! The listening crowd was very convicted by this revelation and asked, "what shall we do?" In other words, "how do we remove this sin and guilt from our lives?" 

Peter responded, "38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call."

Now, think about this for a second. There were the other Apostles, along with many who had followed Jesus and had heard the teaching and preaching of their Master for close to 3 1/2 years there that day. 

NOT ONE OF THEM STOOD UP AND CORRECTED PETER!!

Not one of them said, "Hey bro, you're out of line here. All they have to do is believe." 

Not one of them said, "All they have to do is accept Jesus as their personal savior."

None of them said, "If they believe in their heart and confess with their mouth, they shall be saved."

Why? Because Peter had spoken the absolute truth!

Jesus said we must Repent (Mark 1:15 & Luke 24:47).

Jesus said we must be born of water and of spirit (John 3:5).

Jesus said we must be baptized (Mark 16:16).

Jesus said we must receive the spirit (John 16:13, John 3:8, John 7:38-39).

But, is that the only place we're told the same thing that Peter said for what we must do to be born again and accepted of God? 

Nope. 

Acts 8:5-8 (believe and baptize in Jesus name), 14-17 (baptism of the Holy Ghost).

Acts 10: 1-6 (a devout Centurian that needed to do more to be accepted of God), 40-46 (Baptism of the Holy Ghost), 47-48 (Water baptism in Jesus name).

Acts 19: 1-7. 

Let's dig into this one a little deeper: 

"19 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,

2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost."

Now, some people teach that you receive the Holy Ghost as soon as you believe. There's no outward sign of your deep experience. You just receive it by faith. 

If that belief is true, then Paul's question to these "believers" makes absolutely no sense. He should have just said, "So good to meet you, brethren. I'm Paul." But, by his questioning, apparently, you actually receive the Holy Ghost at some point AFTER you believe. 

3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.

4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.

When they said no they hadn't even heard of, much less experienced, the Holy Ghost, Paul checks their baptism. If, as some folks teach, water baptism is not a necessity ("it's an outward sign of an inward act," they say), then Paul's question here makes no sense again! Why ask about it, if it's not necessary? 

When he heard their reply he explained Jesus to them. What was the result? 

"5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

7 And all the men were about twelve."

So, Paul taught water and spirit baptism, as well. He didn't tell them that they just have to accept the Lord as their personal savior. He didn't tell them to repeat a sinner's prayer (another thing that's not in the scriptures). He taught the exact same things taught by the rest of the Apostles and his hearers obeyed it! (This, my friends, was the birth of the Ephesian church!)

"Repent, and be baptized every one of in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:38)

So, when Jude speaks of contending for the faith once delivered to the saints, as far as the new birth is concerned, this is what he is referring to! 

Paul puts it this way:

"8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.

9 As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed." (Galatians 1:8-9)

Those who would pervert the Biblical Gospel message should take heed to this scriptural warning. 

I'm glad you accepted the Lord, my friend, but please do what is necessary for the Lord to accept you: 

"Repent, and be baptized every one of in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:38)

 

The Apostle that almost was (the rich young ruler revisited)

Luke 18:18-27 King James Version (KJV)

18 And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

19 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God.

20 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother.

21 And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up.

22 Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.

23 And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.

24 And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

25 For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

26 And they that heard it said, Who then can be saved?

27 And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.

This is a very familiar passage of scripture. Many have used it to speak of folks rejecting Jesus in favor of the wealth and things of this world. These people have covered this well. But, I believe there may be a few more lessons to be learned from scripture about this young man. 

Verse 18) It is customary in religious, business, and political circles to address the ego of the person you are speaking to- especially if the person is perceived to be of a superior position than you. When the young man begins his question to Jesus, he starts with "Good Master." He was recognizing the innate goodness of Jesus, as well as Jesus' good works (healing the sick, etc). 

He was also recognizing him as a Master. He recognized Jesus' amazing teaching to all who would listen. Jesus was the new hot thing in the world. This naturally drew some of the who's who in the community. More than likely, he contacted his associates in various local governments to gain their insights into Jesus. Doubtless, this man had sent his people out to see what all the fuss was about. After all, the rich don't just hang out with the "unwashed masses" without having a good reason to do so. The reports he'd received back amazed him. Jesus healed the sick, raised the dead, bucked up against the Jewish authority of the day. This was truly a man worth checking out!

So, the rich young man decided that Jesus was worthy of his actually going out to meet him. He orders his entourage to make the necessary arrangements. There was his security to consider, his mode of travel, his clothing, the room or house he was to stay in, his food and drink for the going travel, his lodging, and his return trip. Everything had to be set up just so. He also must've had a man (or men) following Jesus so that he knew when and where to go in the first place. He makes his initial trip and settles down for the night. 

The next day, he learns from his servants where Jesus was preaching and (after a healthy breakfast, no doubt) heads out to meet this famous (or infamous in some circles) teacher named Jesus. 

Imagine the agitation of this young man when he sees the masses huddled around Jesus- hanging on his every word and action. He actually has to wait on Jesus to speak to this rabble! Finally, he begins to make his way through the crowds toward the teacher. Most of the crowd recognizes wealth and nobility and moves out of his way (some willingly, others out of obligation). 

Jesus wasn't dressed in fancy robes and fine garments. His hair was windblown. His robes had dirt on them. But his eyes burned with the Holy Fire of God. But, to this ruler, all these facts added up to someone worthy of use, but certainly not an equal. When he finally meets Jesus, he doesn't even give him his name. 

Falling back on his ways of speaking to someone, he puts on a smile and says, "Good Master."

Verse 19) Imagine the ruler's surprise when Jesus did not respond with the same customary kindness. Instead, Jesus cuts to the chase, so to speak.

"Why callest thou me good?"

Why are you even speaking to me, Ruler? You don't even consider me an equal. You look down on me and the multitudes I speak to. You could feed this whole mass of humanity here and then some with your wealth. Yet, you see in me a way to use me for your own purposes to gain something from me and the crowds to which I minister. Why are you here? You can almost hear the hostility in Jesus's question. 

But, then he lowers the boom that most people miss:

"None is good, save one, that is, God."

Unlike many false interpretations, Jesus was not playing himself down with this statement. He was not pointing out that he was a lesser part of a fictitious trinity. Rather, he was telling this young man and everyone that heard, "I am good because I am God almighty come in flesh (Emmanuel- God with us!)! Do you have enough spiritual understanding to know who it truly is that you are talking down to? 

Verse 20) The ruler had asked Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life, so Jesus, rather flippantly, lists of 5 of the 10 commandments:

"Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother."

Verse 21) The ruler seems ecstatic! Really? That's all? I've done these all my life! He, like many others, did not notice that 5 more commandments had been left off the list.

What commandments did Jesus leave off?

"Thou shalt have no other gods before me." 

By definition, a rich businessman faces a choice on a daily basis. "Do I follow God's laws and make less money, or do I follow man's laws and make more money. Do I follow a righteous God and his commands? Or do I follow whatever god that fits the particular business deal I'm making? 

Most follow whatever god fits the moment for their own self-gain and standing in the community.

"Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image..."

This is not talking about an artistic endeavor (though many have used art as an excuse to be gory or pornographic or some other perversion they wish to glorify). Rather, this is referring to the making of an idol that is to be worshipped and adored by the maker and many other people. 

There are still many idols in the world. India, Africa, and South America are full of idols carved from trees or rocks that people bow down before and worship. Japan, though a very westernized culture, still has many that have things set up in and around their homes in order to worship their own dead ancestors. Physical idols can literally be found around the world.

Yet, in Western society, we have other idols: Money, Movie Stars, TV Stars, Cars, Homes, Yachts, Politicians, Political Parties, Churches, Preachers, Singers, etc. The list goes on and on. 

How many business deals and political deals are made that are contrary to God's laws, but are made in the name of Money and religious freedom? How many backroom deals are made in order to work around God's laws and make money from ungodly things (abortion comes to mind as just one example of millions)? 

"Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain."

Contrary to popular belief, this is not simply saying don't use the name of Jesus as a cuss word- though that is certainly a part of it. To take God's name means to become a part of his bride (the church) through the new birth (Acts 2:38).

To take his name in vain means to walk away altogether, or to fall away from a right relationship with him. We, as his bride, are to live, act, dress, think, etc in ways that shun the sin we used to be in and glorify our husband, Jesus, who died for us! 

Most rich folks have never known God in a salvational way. Most of they're choices are made in order to cater to their own flesh and bank accounts!

"Remember the sabbath day to keep it holy." 

The sabbath is the seventh day of the week (Saturday). In the Law of God, no work or business was to be conducted on this day. Jesus fulfilled the rest of the sabbath through his death, burial, and resurrection- and sending us his spirit as part of the new birth (Baptism of the Holy Ghost). I have another blog posting on this blog about enjoying the "rest of the sabbath" that explains this in detail:  https://theauthorspage.blogspot.com/2012/03/shalom-shabbath-enjoy-peace-of.html

Yet, if a person is not born again, he cannot fulfill this commandment. Most rich business owners have never been born again and cannot fulfill this commandment in either their own lives or in their company. 

However, there was a time when businesses were closed on Sunday in honor of Jesus's resurrection and to allow employees time to worship Jesus and spend time with their families. Most businesses are now open 7 days a week and as close to 24 hours a day as they possibly can in order to chase their god- money. 

But in the rich young ruler's day, businesses were to be closed on Saturday (the sabbath). Did Jesus leave this commandment out as well because he wasn't following it, either? 

"Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's...(anything)" 

It's okay to have things. It's good to have a godly wife. It's good to have a home. And many other things. 

Yet, one of the natures of business is to grow and acquire more things. More facilities. More products. A larger market share. And, ultimately, a larger profit.

How many business deals have been done in society (and by the rich young ruler) that were done in the name of growing the business- that actually hurt many people. There is no being content with what we have. We've got to have more. 

How many business ventures have been made by marrying the owner in order to gain control of the company? How many wives have been dumped in favor of a new wife in order to solidify the growth of the business? How many political deals have been made the same way? 

Verse 22: Jesus hears his answer and gives him a way to make everything right in his life. He basically gave him the same command he had given the 12 Disciples, "Follow me!" But, he added a stipulation:

"Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me."

Imagine someone telling Donald Trump or Bill Gates, "You've spent your whole life amassing this huge fortune. You've made business deals by many means, some good and some evil. You've buried most of your competition and are on top of the world! But, if you truly want to make heaven and be right with God, Go and sell it all, give it all away so you will be dirt poor, and come follow me." 

That's basically what he told the rich ruler. Nevermind your business acumen. Forget all the backroom wheeling and dealing. Give it all away and I will give you the eternal life you seek. You've got to totally submit to me. 

Verse 23: The rich young ruler was offered a chance to be an Apostle! He could've been in the upper room on the day of Pentecost! He could've helped to baptize the 3000 souls that were added to the church that day! He could've preached to thousands, cast out devils, healed the sick, raised the dead, helped thousands to become born again and live for Jesus!

Instead, with his mind blown and his heart broken, the fake smile gone from his face, he walks away from God almighty. All because he'd rather have his current life than the eternal life that Jesus was offering. 

Did you ever wonder what happened to him? Did he even keep up with Jesus after this incident? Did Jesus' words haunt him for the rest of his days? 

I believe the Lord showed me the answer today. As my wife and I were listening to Mark 14 on a Bible app, I heard words I don't remember ever hearing before:

Mark 14:43-52 King James Version (KJV)

43 And immediately, while he yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders.

44 And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely.

45 And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith, Master, master; and kissed him.

46 And they laid their hands on him, and took him.

47 And one of them that stood by drew a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.

48 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Are ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and with staves to take me?

49 I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and ye took me not: but the scriptures must be fulfilled.

50 And they all forsook him, and fled.

51 And there followed him a certain young man, having a linen cloth cast about his naked body; and the young men laid hold on him:

52 And he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked.

Yes, I know. This is Jesus in the Garden when Judas betrays him and the disciples flee the soldiers. We all know this story. But, notice verses 51 and 52. 

An unnamed man shows up after the arrest but before the trial. After the disciples flee, but before Peter's denial. Who was he? I believe this was the rich young ruler. 

How do I know? 

The first clue was in the phrase, "having a linen cloth..". The term linen cloth here, in the Greek, means "

1. linen cloth, esp. that which was fine and costly, in which the bodies of the dead were wrapped
2. thing made of fine cloth
1. of a light and loose garment worn at night over a naked body."

  

The second clue came from the same phrase: "having a linen cloth cast about his naked body."

Whoever this was, knew where this was going down. A nobody would've had no knowledge of what was happening. 

So, here's the scenario I believe happened. 

The rich young ruler rejected Jesus's offer, but he could never get Jesus's words and actions out of his mind. He probably kept men near Jesus and received regular reports. He periodically heard from his sources in government and the temple about Jesus' most recent sayings and activities. He heard of the plot to kill him. He may have even tried to work behind the scenes to try and reduce what they wanted to do to Jesus. 

But, this was a secret action by the Sanhedrin and the Governor. By the time the ruler was told what was going down by his informant, there was no time for talking to the governor or the Sanhedrin. His only hope was to get out of his bed and throw on his night garment of fine linen and run to the scene, hoping he could get there in time to use his influence to possibly stop the arrest. Having kept up with him, he knew Jesus often prayed in the garden of Gethsemene. His heart racing, he sprinted to the scene. 

To his horror, when he arrived, he was too late. The disciples were dispersed and Jesus was arrested. 

"and the young men laid hold on him:"

He wasn't even allowed to speak to Jesus. He was grabbed by some young men. It wasn't the disciples. They were Gone. It could only be part of the guards who grabbed him. 

"52 And he left the linen cloth and fled from them naked."

I can see a brief struggle. I can see the other guards pulling Jesus along. I can feel the young ruler's heart crashing as he realized not only could he do nothing, not only was his wealth and power worthless to help, but he might be in trouble just for showing up! He might have crossed a line! 

The guards have a firm grip on his nightclothes, so he wriggles out and runs away. Naked and afraid. 

What happened after that? Was he arrested? Did he lose everything he had clung too for so long as important? Or, was he among the 3000 newborn souls on the day of Pentecost?

 We don't know. But, he had a choice just like we do. Do we abandon everything to serve the God of the universe who created us, became human for us, died for us, defeated death, hell, and the grave for us, and sent back his spirit for us?

Or, do we hold onto our "stuff" and refuse to totally submit to Jesus? 

It's our choice. What do we do? 

Acts 2:37-38 King James Version (KJV)

37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.