the god of the impossible

​The story is told 3 times in Matthew, Mark, and Luke.  When the rich young ruler rejected Jesus’s invitation to follow him, it was a conflict for the disciples.  The rich young ruler was the picture of success and wealth.  The disciples had made this assessment when the ruler approached Jesus. We know this from their reaction to the event.  The ensuing conversation later showed the disciples frustration. Jesus said “It’s easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle”. The disciples were incredulous. Their hope was fading.  They had ambition, they had dreams.  Jesus was opening doors for them. What could they hope for? They said to Jesus: “Who then can be saved?” The response of Jesus was profound and significant. “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Here we find the grand declaration that links time and eternity. For men, it is impossible. With God, nothing is impossible. Jesus did not criticize them for dreaming, hoping and believing. He encouraged them orient toward faith in Him. Paul understood this change in focus where he says in Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Praise God!