Bold Faith

Pentecost 21 – October 13. 2024

Amos 5:6-7, 10-15
Psalm 90:12-17
Hebrews 4:12-16
Mark 10:17-31

The writer of Hebrews today is showing the contrast between the old and new ways of God’s salvation. In the past the High Priest was the only one who could approach the High Altar and offer sacrifice for the atonement of sin. But he had to first make sure that he himself was clean and the atonement was only temporary. One had to continually offer sacrifice in order to be forgiven of their sins. But now, with Jesus, our sins are forgiven by his sacrifice. In fact, we are able to approach the throne of grace with boldness now because of Jesus’ sacrifice. When we approach we are assured that Jesus understands our lives because he was tested just as we are. 

We certainly are tested in these days. The world is ever attempting to pull us away from God for its own desires. That's what Amos is talking about today. The people of Israel were living in a time of great prosperity and peace. But they were not sharing their prosperity with others. Instead, they were hoarding it and living luxurious lives forgetting God’s command to take care of the orphan, widow, and the foreigner in their land. God had not given them their riches for selfish endeavors but to share with others so that all in their land could thrive and live the lives God desired for them. Amos tells them to seek good and not evil so they may live since they had forgotten God.

The rich man in our gospel seems to be seeking good with his question of what he must do to inherit eternal life. Was he hoping that he had already fulfilled the requirements by his keeping of the commandments? Or, was he truly searching for an answer? We do not know from this exchange. What we do know is that he did not like the answer that he received. Jesus then tells the disciples about how it is impossible for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God – there is no way any camel is getting through any needle. Many people have tried to explain this difficulty away. But none of them are able to because they misunderstand this text. It is not just about our wealth (and we are the wealthy in this story) but about our whole lives. We are unable to act as God desires. We are sinful and cannot heal ourselves. That is Jesus’ point here. Only God can save us.

That is what Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection is all about. We have been made whole by the once and for all sacrifice of our Great High Priest. We have been freed from the bondage of sin and death. Freed to answer the call of Jesus so, if he were to tell us to sell everything that we have and give it to the poor, we will be able to answer. While that was Jesus’ call to the rich man it may not be his call to you. For each call is unique. As an example he told the tax collector to give back what he cheated others out of and to give up half of what he had. In fact your call may be something quite different. It may be preparing meals at a community Kitchen, volunteering at a food pantry or hospital, or it may be to pray for others for the strength to do God’s will. I am not telling you something new. You who have been saved by the blood of the Great High Priest have been called to serve others by sharing the gifts that God has showered upon you. You do so, not because it will bring you great reward or even salvation but out of thanksgiving for the gift of Jesus. Listen to Jesus, hear his call, and answer it.