“The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, “Children, how hard it is[e] to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” 26 The disciples were even more amazed, and said to each other, “Who then can be saved?” 27 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” Mark 10.24-27
I am a possibility thinker. It’s proven in life, ministry and on my personality tests. I think in terms of what could be. Sometimes, honestly, it wears me out because in any situation there are many possibilities. When approaching a decision, I review many options in my mind and then decide upon one, usually rather quickly. I jokingly say that if I make a bad quick decision I can make a good quick decision almost as fast.
God too thinks in terms of possibilities. When Jesus was asked, “Who then can be saved?” in response to the rich man unable to give up his possessions for God — he said, “With humans this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”
Now I do not do this perfectly. But I approach possibility with positivity and faith. It seems like a good way to approach life, relationships and ministry. It has served me well in helping grow several fruitful ministries which make disciples and expand God’s kingdom. Of course, I am not the one who provides that growth — that is God, but the theory behind this approach has been proven in practice.
So it is with salvation. Who can be saved? The worst of sinners? The Hitlers, Stalins, or murderers of the world? Can those who abuse children or kill the unborn? Can law breakers or the immoral really receive the riches of the Kingdom of God? I say yes. Any sinner who bows before God, confesses and repents of sin can receive mercy, grace and everlasting life.
Think about the repentant thief on the cross. He did not have time to get baptized or get his life together — he merely repented to Jesus and called out for salvation. And Jesus promised him everlasting life saying, “Today you will be with me in paradise.”
This is good news for us “sinners.” For all of humanity who find themselves wayward and wondering. We have a God who has done the impossible – being born as a baby, living a sinless life, dying an unjust death, rising again from the grave. He who has done the impossible has paved the way for us to follow.
Will you follow? By faith, you will find him willing to forgive and your life will never be the same again.
“O Lord God, you are good and just. When my love fails, your love remains steadfast. When I am broken, you offer healing. When I run away, you run after. Come now, Holy Spirit, help me walk in your obedience. Make me holy as you indeed are holy. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen