The Nazis in Fougeres, France, were certain that they could repulse any attack
from the Allies. After all, hadn't they conquered most of Europe and parts of
Africa within a few years? They were strong, and they knew it.
When the Allies arrived, however, to free the people from Fougeres, the Nazis
had neglected one little detail: Their ammunition depot was right in the middle
of the combat zone. Not surprisingly, it exploded with a big boom, defeating the
ego and pride of the Nazis as well as their lives. Sadly, it also leveled the
part of the upper level of the city where the ammunition depot was located.
The young man who approached Jesus also had a big ego. He had it made. He was
rich and was faithfully keeping the law (See Mark 10: 17-20). His ego also
experienced a big boom when Jesus noticed that he hadn't made it after all:
"Jesus looked at him and loved him. 'One thing you lack,' he said. 'Go, sell
everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.
Then come, follow me.'" (Mark 10:21, NIV2)
Sadly this young man was relying on his richness and prowess to obtain the
kingdom of heaven. He left like a dog with its tail between its legs. He wasn't
after God's Kingdom, he was after his own kingdom.
"Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, 'How hard it is for the rich to
enter the kingdom of God!'" (Mark 10:23, NIV2) "It is easier for a camel to go
through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of
God." (Mark 10:25, NIV2)
When we have everything we need and want, it is hard to perceive a need to know
God personally. One day though, we will eventually realize with a big boom that
we are completely empty. Our richness will not satisfy us any longer. We will
recognize that we are missing something. But because we are used to be served as
gods, it is very difficult to understand how to fill that emptiness. Our
personal kingdom has blinded us.
None of us know when our time will run out on planet earth. Our treasures then
will be meaningless.
Interestingly enough is the reaction of Jesus' disciples after the young rich
man that thought he had it made left Jesus' presence: "The disciples were even
more amazed, and said to each other, 'Who then can be saved?'" (Mark 10:26,
NIV2)
Most of us, even the poor ones (e.g. Jesus' disciples were far from being
rich!), have a tendency to have the attitude of the rich. Who likes to be
wrong? Who likes to be challenged about what they think and believe? Don't we
know better than those around us?
If we persist in this attitude, we may also one day leave Jesus' presence with a
big boom as well. There is a reason why Jesus told us: "Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:3, NIV)
God's Kingdom is available to all of us, but only if our attitude is right.
"Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but not with God;
all things are possible with God.'" (Mark 10:27, NIV2)
Will we depend solely on Him?
Boom! Who blew up this time?
Rob Chaffart
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
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