I was reading Matthew 19 the other day about the Rich Young Ruler who came up to Jesus and asked Him what he needed to do to be saved. Jesus tells him to keep the commandments. Then the rich man says which ones? I found it interesting that he asked which ones... probably because he knew he wasn't keeping them all!
He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? verses 18-20
I must have read this passage a thousand times before but this last time I heard the Lord ask me, "Are those All the commandments?"
No. They aren't. The ones that are missing are the following
- Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
- Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.
- Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
- Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
Basically, is God FIRST in your life? If God is First, then you will not have any idols, nor will you worship anyone or anything else. If God is First, you will not take His name in Vain and you will most certainly keep the Sabbath holy.
Jesus saw that the real problem with this rich man was that, although he believed in God and tried to be moral, God was NOT first in his life. And Jesus addressed that very thing in His next sentence:
Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. v 21
Jesus was trying to get the man to give up his Idols, those things that were taking the place of God in his life--his money and possessions. It occurred to me that Jesus didn't ask just anyone to follow Him. The 12, yes. But how many other times did Jesus ask someone to come along with Him and follow Him? What a privilege!
Would the rich man give up his idols--those things he placed above God?
But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. v 22
No, he did not. I believe this made Jesus very sad.
We, too, can have things in our lives that we put above God. It could be fame, money, success, sex, beauty, a relationship, house, boat, vacations, friends, a career, a spouse, children, grandchildren. Ask yourself what things or people occupy your mind?
I'm going to be honest here. The past 10 years or so, I put my grandchildren high on my priority list. My husband and I spent sometimes up to 25 hours with them a week before they started school and afterward still many hours. I grew to love them more than my own life. My whole world centered around them, their safety, happiness, future. I never once realized that I had put them above God. Sometimes even when we are doing good things we think the Lord wants us to do, we can end up making them idols.
I have since repented, but the Lord had to take my grandkids away from me in order for me to realize what I'd done. It's been the most painful 2 years of my life (and that's saying alot!) but I'm coming out on the other side with the Lord on the throne of my heart and nothing hindering my walk with Him. He is everything.
So the question remains. What would you give up to follow Jesus, to put Him first? Would you give up what or who is most important to you for Him? The rich man walked away, unwilling to do so. He died with his riches but missed out on knowing Jesus, on having an eternal purpose and an adventure that was beyond his imagining. That's what Jesus offers us. Freedom, Life abundant, Joy, Peace, Purpose, a love we cannot comprehend and eternity. There's nothing here on earth, no, not even children and grandchildren that is worth what we receive from Jesus in return.
When that Trumpet blows, don't be caught with anything but Jesus as your first love, as your number 1.
Hello Holy Messenger of God,
ReplyDeleteThis is a deeply compelling post that should make others consider if Jesus is ultimately Number One in their lives. I know of someone who has many blessings in this life: a job, car, house, an income, a loving partner, and little kids. However, he is not popular, has no real friends, and is likely resented and hated by nearly everyone since he does not get invited to parties, does not receive multiple daily texts or calls from “friends” - the point is that he does not have the “blessings” that the world, particularly the people in high school and college, expects one to have to be truly considered successful, appreciated, and having lived a truly happy life. Do you think this is a dangerous mindset?
Sometime not too long ago, he finally came to accept that he is not meant to have those “blessings.” As he is a devoted believer in God, he felt as if God chose him out of the world and therefore, he was rejected by all and had nothing. Could it be good that he has the real blessings mentioned near the beginning of the previous paragraph?
From those blessings, he views his spouse as the most cherished of all; however the dilemma is that she does not really believe in Christ and sometimes gets dismissive during his attempts to tell her about Him. As he cannot afford to alienate her because he feels she is the only person in the world who truly appreciates and loves him despite his weaknesses and flaws when everyone else does the polar opposite, he desperately prays to the Lord that He perform some kind of miracle or divine intervention to make her convert. He does not worry about his kids because they are all under the age of accountability (they are too young to know and decide whether to accept and follow Christ) and will go with Him during the Rapture, but he prays that his God will save his spouse as well. He got a little bit of relief when he read that countless people will get saved during the Tribulation, but he struggles with the thought of his spouse going through the most extreme way to salvation when she can avoid all of the Tribulation effects by believing right now and joining them in the Rapture. I am sure there are also men in the world who may be going through the same situation. What is your perspective?
This is digressing a bit, but I also read in a news pop-up that there is some kind of perilous fungi that behaves similarly though not completely like Ebola (it takes lives by disintegrating the internal organs of its victims) and may have a chance of spreading since summer is coming and it thrives in warm temperatures. With COVID and the “jabs” having already weakened or destroyed people’s immune systems, does this seem like another warning of the continuous disposal of people as part of the wicked elitist agenda?
For the UN conference next month, I have been doing some research and I cannot help but constantly wonder if this really is the catalyst for the Daniel 9:27 covenant. If only I see those two words “seven years,”then that would be immediate confirmation.
Do you think the covenant will get signed sometime around or after the meeting or in the Fall? Since the conference ends on June 20, which is officially the first day of summer this year and is 10+ days after Pentecost, do you think the Rapture is very near as in we do not have to wait another summer season for it? Also, since our calendar may be distorted from God’s calendar, June 8 may not be the exact day of Pentecost per our calendar but may be the first week of June? I really cannot wait to leave this wicked world for it really it becoming “like the days of Noah,” as Jesus said, based on what I have seen with parties and socializing among people as if everything his perfectly normal and of course, what you saw at the airport based on your previous post.
Blessings Sister and Happy Memorial Day by the way. Take care and God bless!
Jesus told us that if we were truly His followers, the world would hate us. So, if the person you are talking about loves Jesus and walks in the light, it is not surprising that he doesn't have many friends. The Bible is clear. If you are a friend of the world, then you are not a friend of Jesus. If the world loves you, then you cannot be a disciple of Jesus.
DeleteRegarding unsaved spouses. Just keep praying! My husband was an atheist for many years, but after much prayer and fasting, the Lord opened his eyes. There's a Scripture in 1 Corinthians 7 that says "For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband; otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are holy." God is faithful and there is nothing impossible for Him. So just keep praying!
There are many many plagues coming. Try to not worry about what you are hearing and reading. If we are still here when they begin to spread, the Lord will protect you and your family until He takes us out. I had to deal with this when Covid hit, and not one of my family members (even the lost ones) got sick.
Yes! The UN conference is something we need to watch very carefully. The seven year condition will be our clue. I truly have no idea when the actual covenant from Daniel will be signed. This fall is a great possibility because I believe the Tribulation starts this fall. Honestly, if we are still here in the fall and nothing has happened, we may have to wait until next spring/summer. I do believe with all my heart that the rapture must occur in Spring/Summer. And I still hold that it is this year. But God's timing is perfect! I know it's hard to wait. Believe me, I get it. I'm in the same boat! But Jesus is in that boat with us!
Wonderfully written post on the dangers of materialism. People are likely to scoff at this, but it is more critical now in view of the current state of the world.
ReplyDeleteI saw you listed the Ten Commandments as part of the story in Matthew, but isn’t one of them “Thou shall not covet the possessions of the neighbor?” Or isn’t it contextually similar to “Love thy neighbor as yourself?” Interestingly, that was my quote for my high school yearbook. Needless to say, people seemingly treated me with kindness, but it was the exact opposite inside, as I found out over time and now it has been confirmed since I have matured more in Christ.
I know you oppose social media, but I am bringing it up because I have to point out something that is becoming dangerously worrying. I have see young people posting pictures of social events, marriages, and pregnancy with some being selfies with their infants or toddlers. The images show they are proud to do so, knowing that posting them on Facebook and/or Instagram is guaranteed to get multiple likes and comments from their “real friends.” Does this worry you in that it seems to them that glorification by the world is far more important than God Himself? Some wore the Cross on a necklace, but is that enough to convince people that they truly value Jesus more than their “real friends?” I wonder how God views this kind of mindset, especially with how dangerous social media has become, especially after the current Administration took over. There have been countless reports of hackings unknown to users until it is too late, as an example based on recent reviews. What are your thoughts on this?
Out of curiosity, for those who value money above everything, wouldn’t the Black Horse (famine) of the Third Seal make them realize that not even the earnings of Bill Gates, Elon Musk, and Warren Buffett combined be enough to care for families, including very large ones with relatives and in-laws included? That would be the literal meaning that “money really is the root of all evil,” isn’t it?
Ah yes, you're right. Thou shalt not covet. Definitely one that this rich young ruler obviously did, although yes, it's really a part of loving your neighbor as yourself.
DeleteSocial media can be used for good or bad. I don't think it's wrong to post pictures of yourself and your family and trips or vacations.. for your friends and other family members to see. As long as you don't put those things above the Lord. Also, if these are solid Christian people, they should also be posting about Jesus too. Social media can also be a great evangelism tool! But I know many Christians do not use it for that. Which is sad. Only God knows their hearts.
Yes, during the Tribulation, all idols will be stripped away. There will be little food, water, medicine, money will be useless.. so people will either turn to God or turn to Satan. It really will be the great divide!
Hello Watchwoman of God,
ReplyDeleteThis totally relates to a lot of people in the world who just could not see how the Devil is leading them astray and away from God through worldly desires, both physical and emotional. I also like how you brought up the Ten Commandments, which I have known by heart for a long time and if I ever violate any of them, I would acknowledge it, confess it to the Lord, and pray for forgiveness. Would this be a good practice and respectable in the viewpoint of God?
I read the comments from the previous two commenters and had some questions based on your responses:
1. It is amazing that your husband became a believer after being an atheist for a long time, but is it still possible nowadays considering that we do not have much time left since the Rapture and Tribulation are near? I take it that your husband took a bit of time to accept Christ and that was long time ago when the End Times were still far away?
2. I am glad that your family all stayed clear from getting sick from COVID. However, I am sure there are also true believers whose loved ones either got very sick or lost their lives due to the virus no matter how devoutly loyal they are to God. That does not mean God did not really protect them, isn’t it?
3. For the Rapture and Tribulation, I remember from a prior post that you could not imagine us going through another year in view of how evil is worsening, but if we do have to wait until next Spring/Summer, does that mean the demonic forces in the world will have time to continue perfecting their methods of wiping out as much of humanity as they can? Your “Singularity by 2026?” and any related posts concerning the signs of evil are going to exacerbate, and I do not want to imagine what would happen between now and a year from now if this was allowed to continue for another year.
4. Say if we do go into next year, would that be the latest year the Rapture and Tribulation have to happen? This would mean Christ was crucified and resurrected in 33 AD but it cannot go beyond 2026 since Christ likely did not live past 33 or 34 AD? Would that go against the 6000 year plan of God?
5. Regarding the Social Media response, it is true that people can post for family and friends, but doesn’t it make sense that posting such pictures aforementioned by the commenter are guaranteed to get likes and comments? In other words, those are the primary motives for posting them because they make think that their social media status dictates their overall status in society and anyone else who does not have it, or those people they resent due to judgment, are inferior to them - isn’t this a very harmful character trait/mindset? Also think that now with AI, identity theft is now almost certain with such high profiles, and do you think those people would care as long as it means they are “worshipped” by their “real friends and followers?”
Of course! Whenever the Holy Spirit convicts you of sin, the best practice is to immediately repent and ask for help in the future.
DeleteTo answer your questions:
1. God did take a while with my husband, but if time is short, He can move quickly and it only takes a minute for someone to get saved.
2. Yes, I'm sure there were loved ones of believers and even believers who got Covid, got sick, and some died. I cannot answer for specific situations because I don't know these people, but God has His reasons for what He allows to come into our lives. For example, I currently suffer from a long term illness. Why hasn't God healed me? I don't know. But I know He has His reasons and I trust Him!
3. I do not believe we have another year.. but I'm open to God's timing. IF we are staying another year or even 6 months, then the Lord will keep the evil at bay. Remember, we are the Restrainer, so Satan and his minions cannot unleash their full evil plans upon the world until we are gone. So, no need to worry.
4. Remember, the Scriptures say that Jesus cuts short the Tribulation or all Flesh would not survive. I believe Jesus was crucified in 32 AD, but scholars debate about the actual year. So, no God cannot go against his 6000 year plan for mankind, but we may or may not have accurate calendars in our time. God is in control so I don't worry about such things. It does seem likely that Jesus will return in 2032, but it's all in His hands! If you're worried about going on for another year, put that fear aside for now. I believe we are very close and it's this year. If it isn't, God will sustain us while we wait.
5. Regarding social media, it depends on the motivation of the one posting things. I know some people use it to share things with other family and friends who live far away, and they don't care about likes or comments. However, I'm sure that many people use social media to make themselves feel better and feel more important and valued in the world, depending on how many likes they get. It can be a bad trap for many people who are constantly seeing if someone liked or commented on their post. It's very sad, actually, to be so entrapped by others' opinions. I'm sure this is not pleasing to the Lord and borders on idol worship.
Blessings
Greetings Precious Sister in Christ,
ReplyDeleteYou hit the nail on the head here Sister. I'm always amazed, not only at the wisdom Jesus expresses, but that He always knows the intent of a persons heart. We cannot and should not ever keep anything from Him. David admits this saying, Psalm 139:1 O LORD, You have searched me
and known me.
2You know when I sit and when I rise;
You understand my thoughts from afar.
3You search out my path and my lying down;
You are aware of all my ways.
4Even before a word is on my tongue,
You know all about it, O LORD.
5You hem me in behind and before;
You have laid Your hand upon me.
6Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.
7Where can I go to escape Your Spirit?
Where can I flee from Your presence?
8If I ascend to the heavens, You are there;
if I make my bed in Sheol, You are there.
9If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle by the farthest sea,
10even there Your hand will guide me;
Your right hand will hold me fast.
11If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me,
and the light become night around me”—
12even the darkness is not dark to You,
but the night shines like the day,
for darkness is as light to You.
*I think this is one of the reasons God loved David so. He was quick to admit his faults and weaknesses before the Lord. David had an open heart.
I think this man in Matt should have been more like the man in ,Luke 18:13-14
“But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, 'O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner. ' I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God.
I see the church today, haughty, obsessed with self. They know the YRUTH yet exchange it for the lie because it interfer's with their self centered lives. Just like this man, when Jesus gave him the answer to his question, he walked away. Oh my, what a terrible thought.
Acts 17:
Now as I was going along and carefully looking at your objects of worship, I came to an altar with this inscription: ‘TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.’ Therefore what you already worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you.
* I think many today have placed preachers, and the thing you listed, to this open spot in the temple. I'll just add one to your list, to the unknown god of self !
Let us bare our hearts befor the Lord who created it, for He knows all and see's all. Nothing id hidden from His sight. So let us walk humbly before Him.
Blessings Sister, and thanks for this reminder.
Amen to all you said, Brother! Too many worship that unknown god of self! But oh, what they are missing if they'd only turn to the One True God who loves them so!
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