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Outstanding integrity abounded in the rich man’s life:
He strived every day to do what was lawful, what was right;
He walked just so perfectly and followed the iron rule of the law;
But he was intrigued by Jesus; by what he heard, by what he saw.
Outstanding ethics emanated and guided the rich man’s life:
He strived every day to do what was ethical, what was right;
He walked just so perfectly and followed the iron rule of the law;
But he was intrigued hy Jesus; by what he heard, by what he saw.
Outstanding honesty highlighted and honored the rich man’s life:
He strived every day to be completely honest, and do what was right;
He walked just so perfectly and followed the iron rule of the law;
But he was intrigued by Jesus; by what he heard, by what he saw.
Perhaps he had trouble sleeping as the words of Jesus echoed in his mind:
Jesus healed so many and spoke of forgiveness and love and eternal life.
As the rich man flipped and flopped in his bed filled with sweat:
This man Jesus was One he never, never could forget…
Exhausted, he rolled out of bed and prayed for mercy on bended knee.
Then the rich man dressed and made his way out-standing in the street;
Patiently he waited until Jesus and the disciples passed his way;
Then he stopped them cold with a desperate shout and a wave.
Jesus stopped, and looked at the rich man with compassion;
Then He smiled at him, knowing this was part of today’s mission;
Just behind His head the morning sun shone so white and bright;
He asked Jesus, “What good deed must I do to have eternal life?”
“Why ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied.
Just then a dove fluttered and crossed the sun in the sky.
“There is only One who is good. But to answer your question—
“If you want to receive eternal life, keep the commandments.”
“Which ones?” the rich man asked, thinking, Aha! This will be easy…
And Jesus replied: “You must not murder. You must not commit adultery.
“You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. Honor your father and mother;”
The rich man kept nodding, thinking, Yes, yes, yes, I have not hurt another…
“Love your neighbor as yourself.” Then Jesus paused, awaiting an answer.
“I’ve obeyed all these commandments, what else must I do, sir?”
“If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions;
“And give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.”
Oh no! I have so many things and enjoy them all, doesn’t He see?
Then Jesus gently said, “Then come, follow me.”
When the rich man heard this, he walked away tired and heartbroken,
For he had many outstanding possessions, and didn’t want to give them to anyone.
“I tell you the truth, it is very hard for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of Heaven!”
The disciples were astounded. “Who in the world can be saved, then?”
Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible;
But with God everything is possible.”
In the end, having outstanding integrity, ethics and honesty will not save a man--
We must be born again to enter the Kingdom of Heaven:
It is God’s outstanding plan.
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Reference--
Scriptures from the New Living Translation:
Matthew 19:16-30
John 3:1-9
Acts 2:36-39
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