As I was reading Mark 12 this morning, I was arrested by this statement:  “Realizing how much the man understood, Jesus said to him, ‘You are not far from the Kingdom of God.’” Not far from the Kingdom of God? The man complimented Jesus on his knowledge and understanding of the greatest commandments. The man knew that there was one God. He knew how important it was to love God with all his heart, understanding (mind) and strength, and to love his neighbor as himself. He knew that following these two commandments was more important than offering burnt offerings and sacrifices required by the law. The man gave Jesus a good answer.

Why then did Jesus give this man a “You are not far from the Kingdom of God” status? I believe Jesus gave him this status because the man understood the right theology, but he had not committed his heart to the right theology he knew. He knew and said all the right words, but he had not fully committed to living the right life. He was a good “talker” of the word who had not yet become a good “doer” of the word. He had embraced the right teaching in his head (I believe knowledge of God and his word is extremely important), but it had not trickled down to his heart and life. The difference was 12 inches away (from his head to his heart). He knew and said he was supposed to do – love God with all his heart, mind and strength, and love his neighbor as himself, but he had not actually committed his life to doing what he was supposed to do.

Is this me? Have I made the great divide even wider (saying the right words, but living the wrong lives) with an incongruous life? Do I just spit good game at God, but have not brought my life into conformity with who he is and what he expects of me? Have I understood much and practiced little? Am I just a “good talker?” Am I guilty of complimenting Jesus for the good that he does, but will not submit my life to him for the God that he is? Do I just love God in theory and on paper or do I really love him with all that I am? Do I see the evidence of my love for God in my deep love for all people?

Lord, help me to close the great divide – saying the right words, but living the wrong life – with a life that is consistent with your character and your values.

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Who is Jesus to You from TrinityWired Productions on Vimeo.

This past Sunday we kicked off a series at Trinity Church on the Book of Colossians, called Jesus in HD. We believe a clear view of Christ should lead to a new way of life. In Colossae, there were many thoughts about who Jesus was, and there are many thoughts about who Jesus is in our culture. This video confirms this thought and why we are committed to teaching through this short but powerful book of the Bible. If you read through the Book of Colossians, you will readily find that Paul clearly and loud proclaims that Jesus is . . . .

God’s Son
Redeemer
Image of God
The Lord of creation
The Object of our faith
The Head of the Church
Supreme and Preeminent
Reconciler of the universe
The essence of the mystery of God
The standard by which all religious is to be measured
Conqueror of sin, evil, death and the grave
Enthroned right now at the right hand of God

What is your reaction to this video? What comments about Jesus surprised you most? What can you add to this list of who Jesus is?

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