Reading:

Mark 10:17-31

Ah, me. This passage, this verse, this lesson.

“Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way…give to the poor…and come, take up the cross, and follow me” (Mark 10:21).

This passage is the International Bible Study for this coming Sunday (October 25, 2009).

So chew these questions:

  1. How committed am I to living by God’s commands and precepts?
  2. Would I allow “one thing” to keep me from inheriting eternal life?
  3. Am I too attached to my stuff to give any of it away at Christ’s command?
  4. What should motivate my giving to the poor?

I also commented on this passage a few years ago for Christian Light Publication‘s Sunday School quarterly lesson for January 5, 2003: The Rich Man — Sad

[The Scriptures say in Mark 10:27 -- With men it is impossible, but not with God]
from Mark 10:27

Reading:

Proverbs 11:24-28

“He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch” (Proverbs 11:28).

I’m sure this verse promises the righteous more than financial flourishing.

(Maybe it doesn’t even promise financial flourishing at all!)

But reading that verse in the context of the preceding four and in the context of my lack of financial fitness…. Well, it provoked this question:

How have I been unrighteous in my financial and economic dealings with others?

I thought of one thing right away.

I must take care of the matter promptly.

Not for finances’ sake.

For righteousness’ sake.

[The Scriptures say in Proverbs 11:25 -- He that watereth shall be watered also himself]
from Proverbs 11:25