“As Jesus was starting out on his way to Jerusalem, a man came running up to him, knelt down, and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked. “Only God is truly good. But to answer your question, you know the commandments ‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. You must not cheat anyone. Honor your father and mother.’” “Teacher,” the man replied, “I’ve obeyed all these commandments since I was young.”” Mark 10:17-20 NLT
God who is truly good,
Another story of Jesus with a big question. What must I do to inherit eternal life? In John’s gospel, chapter 3, Jesus tells Nicodemus he needs to be born again. But Jesus deals with each of us where we are in our understanding. He knew the heart of this man, the man had called him a good teacher. So he discussed the word ‘good’ to show that being good is good but not the way to get into heaven.
This man was trying to be as good as he could to win God’s favour and pass the test, earn his place! And his friends and neighbours probably thought him a good godly man. He had been trying to be good, all the time, since he was young. Phew, how many of us can say that. It is hard being perfect all the time. Good all the time. Selfless all the time.
But Jesus redirected the man to truth, only You, God are good. Jesus was good ( He was You with us), but this was not the time to reveal Himself fully. He wanted this man to understand that none of us can ever be good enough to inherit eternal life. It cannot be worked for, bought or earned. Only Your Son, Jesus Christ, would enable someone to be good enough, through His Life, death and sacrifice, His blood on the cross. Jesus is the gate to heaven (John 10:9).
Thank You. I try but You keep me washed and good. We live the best we can with You, not take Your grace for granted, and thank You. You make and keep us washed clean and good through and through. Forever, forgiven, and accepted. Oh and loved much. . .
In Jesus name we pray, Amen
Suggestions for prayer
God who is good,
For our family, extended family, friends, neighbours.
For our church Ministers, lay leaders, Sunday school teachers, fellow worshippers.
For our king and all those in authority (1 Timothy 2:2). Royal family. Continued healing.
New Prime Minister and government, commons and Lords.
For Gaza, Middle East, Change hard hearts, melt vengeance, send hope.
For Ukraine. Change and a miracle to end war.
For Myanmar freedom from military control. Your church people.
For Paris, the athletes, coaches and Olympian teams.
For the Internet, social media, good content.
For those who police the dark net and seek out the harmful and illegal.
For grandparents, guardians, carers, play schemes caring for children in school holidays.
For our day moments to pause and consider what You would say to us if You were here in person. All the good encouraging things to encourage us!
In Jesus name we pray, Amen
Worship Saturday 27th July 2024
There was no other good enough.
These verses were first published in Hymns for Little Children (1848). They became popular in 1868 when published in an appendix to the 1st edition of Hymns Ancient and Modern. Cecil, besides being a hymn writer, was a poet. Her husband considered this among the best of her writing. It is believed to have been written at the bedside of a sick young person. Giving substance and answer to those who inquired why Jesus died. She talks about God’s forgiveness. How we can reclaim the original close relationship with God and suggests the only response is the total giving of ourself.
There is a green hill far away,
without a city wall,
where the dear Lord was crucified,
who died to save us all.
We may not know, we cannot tell,
what pains he had to bear;
but we believe it was for us
he hung and suffered there.
He died that we might be forgiv’n,
he died to make us good,
that we might go at last to heav’n,
saved by his precious blood.
There was no other good enough
to pay the price of sin;
he only could unlock the gate
of heav’n, and let us in.
O dearly, dearly has he loved,
and we must love him too,
and trust in his redeeming blood,
and try his works to do.
Lyrics: Cecil Frances Alexander