Mark 10:26-27
Sometimes
we latch onto a partial truth and miss the point. Let me give you an example. “Where
two or three are gathered” is taken to mean any place two or three believers
hang out, Christ is there. This is true, since God is Omnipresent, everywhere
present, but this isn’t what that verse is talking about. That verse is talking
about bringing correction to someone who has fallen into sin, not about
avoiding church on Sunday because you got together with a couple of your golf
buddies! Taking something out of context strips it of power.
Today’s
verses have another popular phrase that gets pulled from its context and robbed
of its power. Jesus has been driving home the point that entrance to heaven is
a difficult thing. The rich have a more difficult task ahead of them because
wealth holds such a strong pull on people’s hearts. They trust the wealth to
get them out of spots, rather than calling out to the LORD.
As
the disciples hear this truth they wonder if it is even possible to be saved
from sin. And they are hearing Jesus’ words correctly. Jesus reinforces that
truth by telling them that it is impossible for humans by themselves, of their
own strength and will power, to get to heaven. Impossible! You heard that
correctly. Impossible! It takes God’s intervention to make it possible.
It
may be impossible if we limit ourselves to the human domain, but once we allow
ourselves to be open to God’s domain, then it is possible. But that is just it.
We must acknowledge His domain, His right to set the rules, if we are to enter
into right relationship with Him. Only He can grant citizenship in His Kingdom.
And
this is the context of the saying, “All things are possible with God.” When it
comes to entrance in God’s Kingdom, it is possible. Even entrance into God’s
Kingdom, that would be impossible on our own, is possible because of His
intervention. This impossible thing becomes possible because of Him.
This
saying does not say that everything in every area of life is possible. We can’t
make this verse say that. There are other places that talk about God’s rule and
reign over other aspects of life. So let’s not stretch this verse beyond its
meaning.
God
has provided the means for our entrance into His Kingdom. This is the most
important domain of life. If we get this one wrong, it carries the greatest
penalty. But if we get it right, then it carries the greatest reward. God makes
it possible. It is His work, all His work. Nothing we do would ever be enough.
We can be saved. It is possible with God.