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Who on Earth is Good?

by Elizabeth Marks  
12/19/2006 / Devotionals

But we know that the law is good if one uses it lawfully, 9 knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 10 for fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine, 11 according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God which was committed to my trust. 1 Timothy 8:11 NKJV

Have you heard it said before that the Ten Commandments were given that we might see our own sinfulness? Its true. Lets look at a story in Matthew 5:16-22 NKJV to illustrate:
Now behold, one came and said to Him, Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?
17 So He said to him, Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.
18 He said to Him, Which ones?
Jesus said, You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, 19 Honor your father and your mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
20 The young man said to Him, All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?
21 Jesus said to him, If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.
22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

This story teaches us many things.
1) Jesus clearly says NO ONE IS GOOD except GOD. That means you and me. I dont know about you, but this was a tough pill to swallow when I was first made aware of it. My mother always taught me as long as your good, all will be well. Yikes! Jesus says Im not good red alert, warning, danger!!! But wait, the story continues.

2) Jesus says keep the commandments and the young ruler asks which ones. Can you believe it? Hes looking for a short cut. Which ones? Isnt it clear were supposed to keep all TEN?!? So Jesus abbreviates the list. Im not sure why He chose these commandments, unless perhaps the root of this guys problem lies within one of these. The young ruler insists he has kept the law.

4) Jesus points out the guy is still missing something. Jesus wanted the young rulers heart. But the young ruler was too wrapped up in his possessions to give his heart to Jesus. After being told what was needed, the young ruler decided it was too high a price and walked away sorrowfully. How tragic to miss the opportunity to be with Christ over temporary material possessions!


Ready for the good news?
The Law was given to guide us towards Jesus Christ, who fulfills all the laws requirements for us. Matthew 5:17 NKJV Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.

When we ask Christ to forgive our sins and come into our life, the laws requirement (wages of sin is death) is fulfilled. Christ died to pay for our sins. Christ rose from the dead to give us new life in Him. A new life ruled by Christ not by the law.

Have you asked Jesus to forgive your sins? Why not? What are you waiting for? Hes ready and able to wash away your sins, take away your guilt and make you whole.

Lord, thank you for taking on our penalty of sin and making it possible for us to be right with you through Jesus Christs sacrifice. Thank you for fulfilling the laws requirements for us, that we may know you and have an abundant life in you. In Jesus name Amen.

Copyright Elizabeth Marks, author of ThinkOnIt Devotions, has a heart for encouraging believers with God's Word. Please visit http://www.ThinkOnItDevotions.com for more devotions, bible studies, book reviews and more!

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