Matthew 19:26 NKJV
“But Jesus looked at them and said to them, ‘With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'”
Besides learning directly from Jesus’ teachings, the disciples took some lessons by listening to the one-on-one discussions the Master held with various people. One such discourse was that with the rich young ruler (Mat 19). He was a man who, for the most part, already had what others in his community and age group wished for: he was rich and had power and authority under his belt. However, none of those could bring him the total satisfaction of the soul, nor give him the assurance of eternal life. Blessedly, the man came to the right Person: Jesus Christ.
Upon being told God’s terms for receiving eternal life, unfortunately, the man “…went away sad, because he had great wealth” (Mat 19:22 NIV). He was not willing to give up the temporary for the eternal. The fleeting riches of this world meant more to him than the incomparable, everlasting, true riches of heaven. Shaken by Jesus’ words to and about the rich young ruler, the disciples “…were greatly astonished and asked, ‘Who then can be saved?'” (Mat 19:25 NIV). The Lord looked at them and said, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Oh, how relieving and instructive that is!
Elsewhere, the Scripture says, “For it is by grace [God’s remarkable compassion and favor drawing you to Christ] that you have been saved [actually delivered from judgment and given eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it is the [undeserved, gracious] gift of God” (Eph 2:8 AMP). Hallelujah! Salvation belongs to the LORD. Given God’s matchless gift of eternal life, there is no profit whatsoever in gaining the whole world and losing one’s soul in return. Most blessedly, besides securing our salvation in Christ, “ALL [other] things are possible” with God. Hallelujah!
Pst. Emmanuel