Salvation is an Act of Relationship

Scripture: As He was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Mark 10:17

Observation: When the "rich young ruler" (as he is sometimes known) comes to Jesus, he has one question - what must he do to inherit eternal life. Jesus first gives an answer about following the commandments, and the young man confirm he in fact already does all that. In other words, this young man completely and totally obeys all of the law - both those components that related to his relationship with God (which is implicitly why he calls Jesus 'good') and his relations with others (the commands he confirms). And yet, he fully understands that something is lacking. The young man knows that total compliance with the law ... just isn't what it takes to inherit eternal life.

Studies often focus on what happens next - the man is told to give up his possessions and follow Jesus, and he balks because he is rich. However, it is this man's understanding of the insufficiency of the law to redeem us that triggered this conversation in the first place. This wasn't about an unbelieving heathen or sinful wretch searching for redemption ... this is about a faithful and honorable person, fully obedient to God, who knows that it just isn't enough. The fact he balks at the answer - give up everything and have a relationship with Jesus - overshadows the fact that he understands that simple obedience isn't the answer.

Application: The entire topic of salvation comes down to a relationship with Jesus. None of my acts of compliance can earn it, and actually none of my acts of sin can forfeit it. Yes, my sins sometimes exhibit a lack of trust or understanding that I need to correct, but even that is in the context of my faith and relationship with Jesus.

This is what meditating on the word is about. It is not about learning what to do, but about finding time with God, learning about Jesus as a person, and refining my thoughts to be more like him.

The rich young ruler knew legal compliance wasn't the answer. I now know that the answer is relational.

Prayer: Lord, this day may I improve my relationship with you. May I spend time with you, in my head, and in my heart, seeing you in my daily walk. You are here at work, and you are in my home. May I seek time with you in both places. Amen.