Trust

Mark 10:23-24

23 And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!

Trust is a funny thing. Sometimes we give it too quickly. Sometimes we withhold it too sternly. It is something we rely on tremendously, because it is strong and yet terribly fragile. We trust banks with our money, we trust schools with our children....we put our trust in lots of things and people daily. But when that trust is shattered, we may never go 'that way' again.

I've seen people swear off of foods and restaurants because of one bad experience. They lost trust in that item or that place. Relatives can spend years estranged because of a breech in trust. On the same token, there are people that stay together not because of outside factors, but because they trust one another.

If you live long enough, one of the lessons learned is that trust should be earned and maintained. Giving trust too freely can be catastrophic. Losing someone's trust can too. But, when the effort is made not only to gain but to keep trust, it is a valuable commodity that shouldn't be ignored, but instead should be celebrated and embraced.

Jesus used the opportunity of the rich young ruler to talk about misplaced trust. The young man wanted to follow Jesus, but his trust was in his own accomplishments and strength and not in the Lord. It prompted Jesus to share the scripture listed above. The statement shocked the disciples. What they heard was if you're rich, you can't get into Heaven.

All these years later, we still hear that. The riches weren't the problem. It was the trust. When we trust solely in temporal things, our trust is built on the temporary. Strength fails. Money moves in and out. Even the intellect that may have been applied to amass wealth can be fleeting.

But, when our trust is built on the incorruptible God, there is no failure available. Nothing can end God. He is worthy of our trust because He has earned it and He has maintained it. He hasn't changed. He gave first and continues to give. He has done and continues to do the work to demonstrate that He is trustworthy.

Beloved, trust in the Lord is never misplaced. Not only can He not fail, but He will not fail you or I.

Today, with all the turmoil, rumor, innuendo, and every other known distraction out there...today, put your trust in God through His Son the Lord, Jesus Christ. He will not fail you. He cares for you.

The entire passage is below. Even with this pronouncement of how difficult it is when one trusts in riches above God, Jesus reminded the disciples that anything is possible with God. So, even with all that's happened, it is still possible to turn it all over and trust God.

Mark 10:1-27King James Version (KJV)

10 And he arose from thence, and cometh into the coasts of Judaea by the farther side of Jordan: and the people resort unto him again; and, as he was wont, he taught them again.

2 And the Pharisees came to him, and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? tempting him.

3 And he answered and said unto them, What did Moses command you?

4 And they said, Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement, and to put her away.

5 And Jesus answered and said unto them, For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept.

6 But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female.

7 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife;

8 And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh.

9 What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

10 And in the house his disciples asked him again of the same matter.

11 And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her.

12 And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.

13 And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.

14 But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

15 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.

16 And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.

17 And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?

18 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.

19 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.

20 And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.

21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.

22 And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.

23 And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!

25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

26 And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved?

27 And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.

Lifeline is produced from the Evangelistic Ministry of Fellowship Church in Jonesboro, GA. You are encouraged to share this message. The Fellowship Church website (www.youarechosen.net) includes a link to the Lifeline Blog (www.lifelineatfellowship.blogspot.com) where you can find previous messages.

Evangelist Robinson also posts her entries on Facebook and Twitter. To subscribe to the mailing, or for questions and comments, tweet (@evangeliststeff) or send an email to fellowship_lifeline@yahoo.com. Fellowship Church can be reached at chosen.gen@att.net.