Daily Devotional, Year 4 – June 4 (Who Is The Rich Young Ruler? Part 4 – “Going Through a Needle’s Eye” CONTINUED)

By admin On April 12th, 2021

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Daily Devotional, Year 4 – June 4

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Who Is The Rich Young Ruler?

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Part 4

“Going Through a Needle’s Eye” CONTINUED

To read Part 1, click here… October 22 (Who Is The Rich Young Ruler?)

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THIS IS A CONTINUATION OF THE JUNE 2ND DEVOTIONAL (CLICK HERE TO BEGIN READING THAT JUNE 2ND DEVOTIONAL)

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“JESUS…LOVED HIM”

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http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hoffman-ChristAndTheRichYoungRuler.jpg

Now back to the subject of the impossibility of a rich man entering into Heaven.

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As already said, it says in Mark 10:21“Then Jesus beholding him loved him…”

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Yes, Jesus loved this young man. And most likely, Jesus saw into this man’s heart, that the young man was desperate to find something that was missing out of his life. After all, it says in Mark 10:17…“there came one running, and kneeled to Him…”

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This young man realized that something was missing from his life. He ran to Jesus! That is why this young man said to Jesus…“All these things (commandments) have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?”

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Yes, in spite of all his earthly wealth, and in spite of all his supposed commandment-keeping, he didn’t have “the peace which passes all understanding”! He realized that he was still a lost soul, and probably was often tormented with that awful truth!

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Jesus and the Rich Young Ruler – Hoffman – complete and entire surrender of this world, in order to gain Christ – Wikimedia Commons – US public domain

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http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hoffman-ChristAndTheRichYoungRuler.jpg

“…NO PEACE, SAYS MY GOD, TO THE WICKED”

Isaiah 57:21

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But this rich, young ruler was still NOT ready to forsake all, to follow Jesus. He needed more time. And yet, all his riches could bring him no happiness, nor peace, nor contentment. And, “he went away sorrowful…” Matthew 19:22

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And this is how God quite often works in the hearts and lives of so many who seemingly “have it all!”

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Yes, they have their wealth, their attractiveness, their possessions, their talents, their personality and wit and charm, etc….

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But they just cannot seem to ever find true peace and joy and agape love!

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Jesus and the Rich Young Ruler – Hoffman – complete and entire surrender of this world, in order to gain Christ – Wikimedia Commons – US public domain

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“THERE IS NO PEACE…TO THE WICKED (THE UNSAVED – Ed.)”

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Listen to Isaiah’s assessment… “But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.” Isaiah 57:20, 21

.http://www.wikigallery.org/wiki/painting_65895/Edward-Armitage/Christ-Calling-the-Apostles-James-and-John--1869

Now here is a very revealing statement by Isaiah! Those who are lost souls (and nominal Christians) cannot enjoy what Jesus calls… “Rest unto your souls”. Matthew 11:29

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No, until that man, woman, or child begins to fully follow Jesus, there can be no peace and quiet in the soul.

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After all, the Apostle Paul says…“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” 1st Timothy 6:6-8

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Yes, Paul makes this giant statement (which is so often brushed aside, ignored, or rejected altogether by too many of today’s church-goers).

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Jesus calls His disciples – Wikigallery.org –

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http://lavistachurchofchrist.org/LVarticles/PaulsTentmaking.html

MANY SORROWS COME UPON THE RICH

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But just listen to the reason why Paul warns us against being rich…“But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” 1st Timothy 6:9, 10

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So Paul gives us the warning about the curses which come upon those who willingly seek after this world’s wealth: temptations, hurtful lusts, destruction, perdition, and many sorrows!

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Paul Tentmaking – La Vista Church of Christ – Creative Commons License

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:PaulT.jpg“FLEE TO THE MOUNTAINS! (FLEE TO JESUS, “THE MOUNTAIN OF HIS HOLINESS)”

Mark 13:14 & Psalm 48:1 & also see Psalm 125:2

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But then, Paul gives this very unpopular advice…“But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith…” 1st Timothy 6:11, 12

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The Lord, through Paul, counsels us, yea WARNS US to “flee these things!”

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Paul the Apostle – Artist – Valentin de Boulogne or Nicolas Tournier – circa 1500s – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hoffman-ChristAndTheRichYoungRuler.jpg

“…HE CANNOT BE MY DISCIPLE”

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And so, that rich young ruler was discovering for himself, that all his youth and talents and possessions and high station in life could never satisfy his poverty-stricken soul! All his vain attempts at commandment-keeping could never bring him life and peace and joy and rest unto his soul! He was a rich young man, but he was poverty-stricken in his soul!

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It is as Jesus said to His disciples…“So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be My disciple.” Luke 14:33

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Jesus and the Rich Young Ruler – Hoffman – complete and entire surrender of this world, in order to gain Christ – Wikimedia Commons – US public domain

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“GOOD NEWS FROM A FAR COUNTRY!”

Proverbs 25:25

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But the very Good News is found in the last segment of this story…When His disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved? But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:25, 26

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Here is the really wonderful thing about our loving Savior! He can take a really selfish individual, and secretly chasten that person until the day that this person is ready to say (as that old song sings)“Take the world, but give me Jesus!”

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Yes, while so many persons outwardly seem to be living a charmed life, the Lord can quietly and secretly perform a work in their hearts to remove their love of this world with all its earthly pleasures and vain riches.

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http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hoffman-ChristAndTheRichYoungRuler.jpg

“YE MUST BE BORN AGAIN!”

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And because that rich, young ruler was not finding true peace and joy in spite of all his many talents and possessions, it is very likely that God continued to perform a work in that young man’s heart until some later time when he finally decided to forsake all to follow Jesus.

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Oh no, Jesus was probably already finished with His earthly ministry by the time this happened. But just at the right moment, whenever that was, that rich young ruler realized that his life was empty, unhappy and unfulfilled.

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He then, no doubt, knelt down and begged the Lord to truly give him that life-changing experience, referred to in John 3:6…“Ye must be born again!”

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Jesus and the Rich Young Ruler – Hoffman – complete and entire surrender of this world, in order to gain Christ – Wikimedia Commons – US public domain

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http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:USMC-06831.jpg

“THE THINGS OF EARTH WILL GROW STRANGELY DIM!”

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And if he actually did truly became Born Again, he then could relate to that old song, “Turn your eyes upon Jesus! Look full in His wonderful face! And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace!”

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Yes, the longer we serve Him, the less that those tinsel-like treasures and vain earthly pleasures hold an attraction for us.

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And then, the more we live by God’s great and precious promises, the greater will be our peace and joy and rest and satisfaction in being a follower of Jesus!

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USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Otto_Greiner_Betende_H%C3%A4nde.jpg

TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, By Thy great mercy and grace, make me one of Thy disciples! Take away my love for this present world! Let me forsake all in my heart, and give me an undivided heart that follows Thee onward and upward out of this present world…

Praying Hands – Otto Greiner – Wikimedia – .bassenge.com – Cropped image – Public Domain

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https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Question_book_magnify2.svg

READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… Revelation 12 Woman & The Narrow Gate Stars (Orion’s Gate to Heaven), or you can also read this shorter article…JANUARY 7 (TIME TO GET OUT OF DODGE!)”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

.picture - soldiers of the cross - armor up!

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

Info & pics of constellations on this site from Wikipedia & International Astronomical Union (click here)

 

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THE NARROW GATE STARS

Revelation 12 Woman & Orion's Gate & Wide Gate .

This can even be observed into June in the western sky (for a short time just after dark). While a dark night is best for seeing the Woman Constellation, the 4 stars which comprise the Narrow Gate/Wide Gate Stars can be seen even under mediocre conditions. It begins with the Fleeing Woman of Revelation 12 Constellation (AKA Ursa Major) going towards these two doors.

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The sketch to left shows, the two doors are each composed of two bright stars. The two bright stars that comprise the Narrow Gate are the two brightest stars of the Orion the Reaper’s sickle. The two stars that comprise the ‘Wide Gate’ Stars are the two brightest stars of the wave of water that comes out of the Dragon Constellation’s mouth (for explanation of “Wave of Water”, just click here). The stars that make up the ‘Narrow Gate’ are about half the width of the Wide Gate (see sketch to left).

Revelation 12 Woman chooses Narrow Way

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(For more information on Orion’s sickle, just click here,“Orion The Reaper”.)

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Editor’s note: These sketches on this page are merely sketches. The stars are not in their exact place. However, they are close enough to find them in the night sky. But as with most stars, it takes persistence to finally locate them.

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WIDE & NARROW GATES IN THE HEAVENS

Revelation 12 Woman chooses Narrow Way

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As the opening verse says, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” Matthew 7:13-14

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So what are these two gates all about? And how can I choose the right door? Well, just read this article and these questions and more will be answered.

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But before we explore these questions, let’s take a look at why these two sets of stars represent these two biblical gates.

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This sketch, while not 100% accurate, gives a fair portrayal of how this constellation group appears at winter’s end and even into June, when above the western horizon.

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https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Question_book_magnify2.svg

READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… Revelation 12 Woman & The Narrow Gate Stars (Orion’s Gate to Heaven)

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:COCTEL_DE_FRUTAS.jpgTOMORROW…

June 5 (O Taste and See That The Lord Is Good! Part 2 “Taste & See God’s Delicious Fruit!”)

Fruit Cocktail – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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CHRIST OBJECT LESSONS, BY ELLEN G. WHITE

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ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) are invited to listen to this chapter of the audio book about the Bible’s parables in which Ellen White relates them to every day practical living…

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Chapter 23 – “The Lord’s Vineyard”

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The Five Wise Virgins – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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EXCERPTS FROM THE OPEN FORUM QUESTION/ANSWER RADIO TALK-SHOW…

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ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) are invited to listen to this recording #205, a small 30 minute sampling of the late Harold Camping’s 90 minute nightly talk shows. This particular program aired in the last few years of his 50 year radio ministry, and includes caller’s questions regarding his teachings on “the end of the church age”…

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ABOVE PICTURE: Holy bible – Wikimedia – Creative Commons

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Those who are interested in using photos on this page may click on provided link below each photo, to get to Wikimedia Commons for various licensing details & tags, and all other necessary information on any particular photo. Most tall, narrow photos have been cropped or reduced by this website to make them a better fit on phone screens.

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