The Impossible Made Possible

"Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!” And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, “Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” And they were greatly astonished, saying among themselves, “Who then can be saved?” But Jesus looked at them and said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.” Then Peter began to say to Him, “See, we have left all and followed You.” So Jesus answered and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel’s, who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time—houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions—and in the age to come, eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first". (Mark 10:23-31)

In verse 21 of Mark 10, the Bible says,

"Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me." (Mark 10:21). If the rich young ruler thought that Jesus would have respect for his riches, he was wrong. If he thought that Jesus, on hearing of how he kept the commandments, would not require more of him, he was mistaken. There was the ultimate test for the rich young man, one that he did not pass, one that he could not bring himself to consider. Was it an easy test? No, but Jesus never said following Him would be easy, contrary to what a lot of people think in the 21st century.

It was with this in mind, that the disciples were astonished at the words of Jesus. Their reasoning was simply this: If a young man who appeared to be blessed by God (his wealth as evidence) had not arrived spiritually, who then can be saved? The young man was very rich but his riches could not solve his spiritual problems nor save him. If riches could save, millions of unbelievers would be saved without even recognising Jesus as Lord and Saviour.

Jesus went on to say, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!” Incidentally, this truth has not changed over the past 2000 years and guess what, it will never change. Riches can very easily become a snare. The flesh revels in the easy luxurious life with no thought of eternity. Gratification is uppermost in the carnal mind, the mind clogged with fleshly considerations that it becomes impossible to see the light and to follow Jesus. Jesus reiterated His statement by adding,  “Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”. That is tough, isn't it? Of course, it is. Many people have spent time praying for an opportunity to get a good job, make some money and live comfortably. Yet, the very things they spent time calling on to God for are the very things that have drawn them away from God. Academic, professional and economic success has driven them away from God. What a pity! The disciples were disturbed, wondering how anyone could survive the stringent conditions of following Jesus. Jesus imposes strict conditions for following Him. No competition is tolerated and anything and everything that rears up its ugly head in competition with or opposition to Jesus must go. Short and simple. If Jesus is Lord as He truly is, then He and He alone must receive all the glory.

Interestingly, Peter and the rest of the disciples had left everything to follow Jesus by this time but they still felt the pressure of discipleship. They knew there was much more required of them. Yes, there is always much more required of us because nothing can be compared to Jesus. He is the Alpha and Omega and He demands total allegiance. In bewilderment, Peter made a statement of fact, “See, we have left all and followed You.”. Wow, Peter left his fishing profession, he left family to follow Jesus. It was as if he stepped into the fire from the frying pan. Humanly speaking, many would have considered him to be irresponsible and plain stupid given that he had a wife and of course family and domestic responsibilities. Do you get the point? From a historical perspective, Peter and the other disciples except Judas Iscariot fulfilled their ministries. All of them except Apostle John, were either crucified, burnt at stakes, stoned to death or killed by the sword and knives. Apostle Paul was beheaded. You see, the impossible was made possible by the power of God. The men who struggled with the demands of discipleship finally gave a good account of themselves. They followed and served Jesus to the end. 

Are you pondering over the demands of Jesus? Have you come to the realisation that there is hardship, suffering and sacrifice on the path of of holiness and righteousness? Are you wondering how you would cope with the persecution? Are you thinking that it is impossible for you to run the race to the end? Jesus said, "“With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.” My brethren, victory is sure as we keep our eyes on Jesus. With God for us, who can be against us? No demon from the pit of hell can thwart God's plans and purposes for our lives if we are obedient to God. 

Finally, God is no man's debtor. Jesus said, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel’s, who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time—houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions—and in the age to come, eternal life". There are rewards for those who serve God sacrificially. The peace of God and abundant joy will be their portion. Their needs will be supplied by God according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). Jesus is Lord of lords and King of kings and following Him and all that it demands is the best option for anyone. May the Lord God Almighty give you understanding and the grace to follow Jesus with all your heart, with all your strength, with all your mind and with all your strength. Have a blessed day.