“Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” (Mark 10:27)
Although this is a universal truth concerning the power of God working in our temporal impossibilities, we tend to forget its context. We like to quote this verse whenever we believe God for resources, favor, possessions, etc. And rightly so, it should be quoted and understood that we, as humans, operate in an extremely limited realm, but God operates in the realm of our impossibilities!
But reading this verse in its context gives it a different angle and brings about another sobering truth. The context of this verse is taken from Jesus’ conversation with the Rich Young Ruler (read Mark 10:17-29).
The verse has to do with the ability of paying the price to follow Jesus. The Rich Young Ruler, who thought he could gain eternal life through self–righteousness, left with his head hung low after Jesus, pretty much, exposed his true motives. After he left, Jesus quoted, “Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” Then the disciples asked, “…if these guys can’t make it who can? Who can be saved?” Then came the famous verse…“Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”
The verse says to us that it is impossible to serve God and give your life for the cause of the Gospel with your own will power and self–righteousness. Jesus was not bashing rich people, He was only stating that anyone who values their possessions more than the message, call and cause of the Gospel will not inherit the Kingdom of God. But, if we submit our lives completely in humility and embrace the call of God, we exit our impossibilities and enter into God’s realm of possibilities. Yes, you can “have your cake and eat it.” Jesus basically said that anyone who does this would receive a reward not just in heaven but in this age also! (read verse 29) We begin to live in the realm of God’s possibilities.
When we pay the price to follow Him; He pays us back very well!
How difficult has it been for you in removing yourself and your stuff from being before the purpose and will of God in your life? Do you think you can do what Jesus asked the Rich Young Ruler to do?
