November 23rd, 20

LIVE THE IMPOSSIBLE LIFE

Today’s reading is  Matthew 17-19.  We are reading from the New Living Translation.

You have to give up your throne to get a throne.  You have to give up your kingdom to inherit a kingdom. Much of  today’s reading is framed by the question we read in chapter 18.

About that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?”  (Mt 18:1 NLT)

The answer can be found at the very end of our reading.

Jesus replied, “I assure you that when the world is made new and the Son of Man sits upon his glorious throne,…. (Mt 19:28 NLT)

It’s the Son of Man who is going to sit on his glorious throne when the world is made new.  You can’t get any greater than that.  Then he says that there will be other great ones – his followers.  He says,

…you who have been my followers will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.  (Mt 19:28 NLT)

Well that’s pretty great, too.  But their greatness will come because they have given up their throne in order to get one.  They have given up their kingdom to inherit His kingdom. Peter says,

“We’ve given up everything to follow you. What will we get?” (Mt 19:27 NlT)

And Jesus tells him, I know that you’ve given up homes, brothers, fathers, sisters, children, and fields, for me and for the Gospel.  But there’s a new day coming and a new world. Jesus says that He is the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven.  But there is greatness to be had by His followers.  But it will only come by giving up their own thrones and kingdoms. 

It’s impossible, by my own effort, to live the great life of the Kingdom.

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “I tell you the truth, it is very hard for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. I’ll say it again—it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!”

The disciples were astounded. “Then who in the world can be saved?” they asked.

Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.” (Mt 19:23-26 NLT)

This great life the disciples wanted, and that we want, is impossible apart from God.  But when we surrender to God, giving up our kingdom to get his Kingdom, then we can live the impossible life.  We can live a great life.  We can sit and rest with Him.  We can have His life moving in and through us.  Christ in you, it’s your hope and your glory.  Jesus was promising them that.  As you  lay down your life for His life, you begin to live an impossible life. 

Do you want a great life - a life spent in meaningful service to the King?  It’s impossible apart from Christ, but in Christ all things are possible.

You are loved!