What has God done for us?
I think that there is probably nothing in the world that can surpass these five words: "I'll take care of it" - this phrase works on a variety of levels. This can be compared to the situation when you go to lunch with someone, and this person surprises you by paying for himself and for you. When you make a mistake and your best friend takes responsibility for that mistake. When you are completely alone and do not see a way out of this situation, and your parents come to your aid.
The death of Jesus Christ meant more than paying for a week's rent or covering all our debts. He purchased eternal life for us and paid for it all with His precious Blood (Philippians 2: 5-8; John 3: 16).
What are we willing to do for God's sake?
One of the most moving stories in the bible is the story of a rich young steward who came to Jesus with the question of how to obtain eternal life (Matthew 19: 16-22). Does this story reflect the experiences of many other people?
This man had a high opinion of his own merits and considered himself a righteous man. He did not even know that he was imperfect in any way, and yet he felt a certain dissatisfaction. He felt the need for what he didn't have. Jesus wanted to bless him and quench the thirst of his soul.
Christ looked into the young man's face, as if reading his whole life and studying his character. He loved him, and longed to give him peace, blessing, and joy, that is, all that could make a significant difference in the young man's character. "One thing is lacking to you: sell all that you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me" (Lk. 18: 22). The very sanctity of God was offered to the young steward. He had the privilege of becoming the son of God, of inheriting with Christ the treasures of heaven. But to do this, he had to take up his cross and follow the Savior on the path of self-sacrifice.
However, the young man desired both the heavenly treasure and the temporary benefits that would enrich him. He was saddened by the conditions imposed on him: he longed for eternal life, but did not want to make a sacrifice in the name of it. The price of eternal life seemed too high for him, and he left saddened, "because he had great wealth."
Many of us are like a rich young steward. We crave for eternal life, but we do not dare to follow Christ. God does not need insincere followers. Jesus says that it is impossible to serve two masters at the same time, He looks at us tenderly and with love and asks us to decide for ourselves what is really important for us and who we want to follow
What has God done for us?
I think that there is probably nothing in the world that can surpass these five words: "I'll take care of it" - this phrase works on a variety of levels. This can be compared to the situation when you go to lunch with someone, and this person surprises you by paying for himself and for you. When you make a mistake and your best friend takes responsibility for that mistake. When you are completely alone and do not see a way out of this situation, and your parents come to your aid.
The death of Jesus Christ meant more than paying for a week's rent or covering all our debts. He purchased eternal life for us and paid for it all with His precious Blood (Philippians 2: 5-8; John 3: 16).
What are we willing to do for God's sake?
One of the most moving stories in the bible is the story of a rich young steward who came to Jesus with the question of how to obtain eternal life (Matthew 19: 16-22). Does this story reflect the experiences of many other people?
This man had a high opinion of his own merits and considered himself a righteous man. He did not even know that he was imperfect in any way, and yet he felt a certain dissatisfaction. He felt the need for what he didn't have. Jesus wanted to bless him and quench the thirst of his soul.
Christ looked into the young man's face, as if reading his whole life and studying his character. He loved him, and longed to give him peace, blessing, and joy, that is, all that could make a significant difference in the young man's character. "One thing is lacking to you: sell all that you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me" (Lk. 18: 22). The very sanctity of God was offered to the young steward. He had the privilege of becoming the son of God, of inheriting with Christ the treasures of heaven. But to do this, he had to take up his cross and follow the Savior on the path of self-sacrifice.
However, the young man desired both the heavenly treasure and the temporary benefits that would enrich him. He was saddened by the conditions imposed on him: he longed for eternal life, but did not want to make a sacrifice in the name of it. The price of eternal life seemed too high for him, and he left saddened, "because he had great wealth."
Many of us are like a rich young steward. We crave for eternal life, but we do not dare to follow Christ. God does not need insincere followers. Jesus says that it is impossible to serve two masters at the same time, He looks at us tenderly and with love and asks us to decide for ourselves what is really important for us and who we want to follow