“As Jesus started on His way a man ran up to Him and fell on his knees before Him. ‘Good teacher,’ he asked, ‘what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ ‘Why do you call me good?’ Jesus answered. ‘No one is good except God alone.’” Mark 10:17, 18 NIV

Deserving?

It was one of those “ah-ha moments” when I said with a smile and a knowing look upward, “I know that was You, Jesus! I am grateful. Thank You.” After thanking Him for the blessing, I said: “You are always so good to me Jesus, whether I deserve it or not!”

As soon as I heard those words leave my mouth, it was almost as if Jesus and I made “spiritual eye contact.” I realized “whether I deserve it or not” was ridiculous, and at the same time, it seemed as if Jesus and I had a good chuckle over my thoughtless comment. “Whether I deserve it?” Of course, I never deserve His goodness. I believe Jesus has a sense of humor and will give us the “ah-hem” when we need to tweak our thinking or our words a little bit.

In today’s Scripture, I have wondered if Jesus was giving the rich man, who fell on his knees before Him, a clue into His divine nature. Was He telling the man Who He truly is, when He asked, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone.” The man observed the goodness in Jesus. So, obviously, Jesus is God.

After reading that story in Mark 10, it sounded as though the man had lived an exemplary life. Perhaps he felt like he “deserved it.” However, Jesus said, “One thing you lack; go sell everything you have and give to the poor…then come follow Me.” The man went away sad because he had great wealth.

I have always hoped that the man gave thoughtful consideration to Jesus’ words, decided to sell all his possessions, give to the poor, and return to follow Jesus. Likewise, I still have hope for those who have strayed from their walk, who need to give thoughtful consideration to their relationship with Jesus, and choose to follow close to Him.

“Thank You, Lord, for pointing out and forgiving my moments of presumption. You are good! Thank You for giving me an eternity to continue to give You praise for Your overwhelming goodness, mercy and everlasting love.”