There have been Super Bowl upsets in the history of N. F. L. Football. One of the greatest upsets I witnessed was on February 3, 2008, Super Bowl XLII. New England Patriots (Tom Brady-QB) came into the Super Bowl match-up with a perfect winning season record 16-0 (ranked #1) and the New York Giants (Eli Manning-QB) entered the Super Bowl match-up with a 10-6 (ranked #5) record. The New England Patriots were heavily favored to win. New York Giants beat New England Patriots 17-14.
Beloved, sometimes those expected to win it all or finish in first place don’t – they miss the mark. This is the same thing when it comes to eternal life. Jesus confirms that many who assume they’ve lived a good life and assimilated the morality “virtue” needed to assurance salvation, in fact, don’t win because they have missed the mark somewhere.
In our focal scripture this morning, the rich man who questioned Jesus about inheriting eternal life felt certain that he had salvation in hand. Well, little did he realize he was in trouble from the start. You see, his assumption about himself was wrong. *His words demonstrated flattery. I also want you to notice in verse 17 *he recognized Jesus only as a “good teacher” and not as God. He also felt he never had broken the Law, but on the contrary, *his heart was controlled by greed. So, rather than gaining eternal life, he went away “last,” that’s because verse 22 tells he refused to follow Jesus. But in contrast, the disciples, who had sacrificed everything to follow Jesus and who were probably considered “last” with respect to affluence, accomplishment, and notoriety would secure a place in the kingdom, gaining rewards for their sacrifice and most importantly, eternal life.
Beloved, there are many who have given their lives for the Lord’s service. Some have relocated into the mission field, far from their families. Others have made second career moves that have significantly reduce their income and standard of living, they go without many of life’s comforts. But, their sacrifices are not in vain. They’re actually winning the race of eternity.
Mark 10:30-31 (NCV) says: *30 will get more than they left. Here in this world, they will have a hundred times more homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and fields. And with those things, they will also suffer for their belief. But in this age, they will have life forever. 31 Many who are first now will be last in the future. And many who are last now will be first in the future.”
Beloved, being privileged, successful, and popular doesn’t promise heaven’s approval. It’s sad because in our society today, associating affluence, accomplishment, and notoriety with the blessing of God is even more widespread than it was during the days of Jesus’ disciples. So, as Christians, there has to be a disparity in order to advance the gospel. Jesus commands us to decrease our portfolio for the great purpose of His kingdom.
Let Us Pray:
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for Your Words of wisdom this morning. We are all pressured by the intricate design of the world today. Help us to stay focus on You and the proposal of eternal life with You. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen and Aaamen.
Beloved, life is very short. It comes and goes like an unannounced gust of wind. None of us know the hour or day when that gust of wind will be permitted to enter our room and blow out our earthly light. So today, reach out and touch someone and tell them you love them, BECAUSE TELLING THEM LATER JUST MIGHT BE – TOO LATE. I LOVE YOU ALL!!! – Have a “Blessed” Sunday.