INTERESTING FACTS : Frederick Douglass - African American who was one of the most eminent human-rights leaders of the 19th century. His oratorical and literary brilliance thrust him into the forefront of the U.S. abolition movement, and he became the first black citizen to hold high rank in the U.S. government.[1]

 

"I have one great political idea. . . . That idea is an old one. It is widely and generally assented to; nevertheless, it is very generally trampled upon and disregarded. The best expression of it, I have found in the Bible. It is in substance, "Righteousness exalteth a nation; sin is a reproach to any people" [Proverbs 14:34]. This constitutes my politics - the negative and positive of my politics, and the whole of my politics. . . . I feel it my duty to do all in my power to infuse this idea into the public mind, that it may speedily be recognized and practiced upon by our people." [2]

 

DAILY READING : MARK: 10-11

 

TEXT : Mark  10:17 And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?  10:18 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.  10:19 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.  10:20 And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.  10:21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.  10:22 And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.  10:23 And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!  10:24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!  10:25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.  10:26 And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved?  10:27 And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.

 

THEME : SALVATION

 

Mark 10 

 

In this chapter, we have,  I. Christ's dispute with the Pharisees concerning divorce (Mar_10:1-12).  II. The kind entertainment he gave to the little children that were brought to him to be blessed (Mar_10:13-16).  III. His trial of the rich man that enquired what he must do to get to heaven (Mar_10:17-22).  IV. His discourse with his disciples, upon that occasion, concerning the peril of riches (Mar_10:23-27), and the advantage of being impoverished for his sake (Mar_10:28-31).  V. The repeated notice he gave his disciples of his sufferings and death approaching (Mar_10:32-34).  VI. The counsel he gave to James and John, to think of suffering with him, rather than of reigning with him (v. 15-45).  VII. The cure of Bartimeus, a poor blind man (Mar_10:46-52). All which passages of story we had the substance of before, Mt. 19 and 20. [Matthew Henry][3]

 

Mark 10 

 

The Pharisees question our Lord concerning divorce, Mar_10:1-12. Little children are brought to him, Mar_10:13-16. The person who inquired how he might inherit eternal life, Mar_10:17-22. How difficult it is for a rich man to be saved, Mar_10:23-27. What they shall receive who have left all for Christ and his Gospel, Mar_10:28-31. He foretells his death, Mar_10:32-34. James and John desire places of pre-eminence in Christ's kingdom, Mar_10:35-41. Christ shows them the necessity of humility, Mar_10:42-46. Blind Bartimeus healed, Mar_10:46-52. [Adam Clarke][4]

 

Mark 11 

 

We are now come to the Passion-Week, the week in which Christ died, and the great occurrences of that week.  I. Christ's riding in triumph into Jerusalem (Mar_11:1-11).  II. His cursing the barren fig-tree (Mar_11:12-14).  III. His driving those out of the temple that turned it into an exchange (Mar_11:15-19).  IV. His discourse with his disciples concerning the power of faith and the efficacy of prayer, on occasion of the withering of the fig-tree he cursed (Mar_11:20-26).  V. His reply to those who questioned his authority (Mar_11:27-33). [Matthew Henry][3]

 

Mark 11 

 

Christ rides triumphantly into Jerusalem, Mar_11:1-11. The barren fig tree cursed, Mar_11:12-14. He cleanses the temple, Mar_11:15-17. The scribes and chief priests are enraged, Mar_11:18. Reflections on the withered fig tree, Mar_11:19-23. Directions concerning prayer and forgiveness, Mar_11:24-26. The chief priests, etc., question him by what authority he did his works, Mar_11:27, Mar_11:28. He answers, and confounds them, Mar_11:29-33. [Adam Clarke][4]

 

TRUTH FOR TODAY : "WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!"

 

In the text, the story is of a young man, exceptionally wealthy, yet looking for the path to Eternal Life.  Intuitively he knows that he lacks something.  Yet, you read how he has kept the Ten Commandments.  Many people believe if you just keep the Ten Commandments (which, no one has) you will make it to Heaven.  Still, here is a young man who has diligently sought the ways of the LORD and knows he has come up short.  This is exactly what the New Testament teaches.  That is, that all have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God.  In other words, if one could keep the Ten Commandments -all of them, without breaking one - ever, in your entire life, then Heaven would be yours as well as Eternal Life.

 

The story of the rich young ruler is a principle of the Word of God.  It shows that even if one carefully seeks after the LORD through the Law of Moses you will come up short.  This is because the flesh, namely -our physical bodies, are prone to break God's laws.  This means, that your best effort to please God is thwarted by the sinful inclinations of the flesh.  Also, the mind or soul is inclined to follow the way of the flesh.  Thus, the inner man and the outer man are found wanting before God.  That is, the mind and the body are inclined to break the laws of God.  Hence, we have the condition known as sin.  Here is where the words of Jesus become important to you. 

 

When the Apostles asked the LORD who can enter into Eternal Life, Jesus says it is impossible that any man can see God on his own.  Therefore, salvation is the work of God gained by believing and sustained by grace.  This is why the Gospel is good news.  Since man cannot see God on his own, God has provided the way.  In most religions, it is Man who reaches up to God.  However with Christ, it is God reaching down to Man.  Again, this is good news.  It means - even as Jesus said, that what is impossible with men becomes possible with God.  Briefly stated - you are saved by faith. It is not of works that you have done that by His grace He has saved you.

 

If Eternal Life was not enough -and certainly it is, you also have the promise of answered prayer.  In Mark chapters 10 and 11 you read more about Jesus' teachings on faith.  The fig tree withers and a blind man is healed.  Therefore, you have as the saying goes -the best of both worlds.  Better stated, you have the best that God offers in this world and the next world.  No wonder the Bible says you have been given "exceeding great and precious promises." Truly, this is a fact of life in Christ.  Namely, you have a God who never fails, never forgets, and will never stop providing for you in any way that you may have need.

 

Therefore, trust in the LORD Jesus Christ all your heart, soul, mind, and strength - right now.  That is, release all your care, worries, concerns, problems, and whatever else may trouble you - into His caring and capable Hands.  Remember, Christ is a Savior, a Healer, and a Miracle Worker.  "With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible." Just remember these words of Jesus and everything will be alright.